Conference 2025 Workshops

Workshops on Friday and Saturday are 2,5 hours, on Sunday are 2 hours long, for a limited number of participants.

For workshop details (description, day, time, language, facilitators' CVs, etc) click on the title.

HOW TO RESERVE A PLACE IN WORKSHOPS 
The available places in each Workshop are limited.
Reserving a place in a WORKSHOP will take place after the general Conference Registration via a personal email.
Priority will be given based on the order of the date of Conference Registration.

After you have completed the Registration process, you will receive a personal email. This email will be sent based on the priority of your registration date and will allow you to choose the workshop you wish to attend.
Check language, date, hours, before reserving a place
Note: all workshops are offered in parallel sessions in the same time slot each day. Participants may choose one each day


 

 

 

Theater as an Awareness Practice: 1955 - 2024, a Bus Ride

Theater as an Awareness Practice: 1955 - 2024, a Bus Ride

Athens, 22/03/2025, conference workshop, Maria Olga Athinaiou

Event date: 3/22/2025 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Export event


 

Theater as an Awareness Practice: 1955 - 2024, a Bus Ride

 

Maria Olga Athinaiou, Theater Practitioner - Processworker, Greece

 

WORKSHOP

At the International Conference "Theater/Drama & Inclusive Education"

Athens, March 21, 22, 23, 2025

Hellenic Theater/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr)

 

Language: English (with help in translation for Greek participants)

Limited number of participants

 

Brief Description

The workshop explores the approach to a historical event that remains an active social challenge today, inspired by the story of R. Parks, specifically the Greek publication "Rosa's Bus" (Kokkino Publishing – supported by the Greek section of Amnesty International).

 

The methodology is interdisciplinary and based on a combination of tools from Educational Drama, Psychophysical Theater, and the psychological approach of Processwork (Process Oriented Psychology). The first is pedagogically rooted in active learning through problem-solving and focuses on understanding oneself, others, and the world through processing social challenges using the form and language of theater. The second refers to Zarrilli’s definition where psychophysical theater involves ‘’the constant dialectical engagement of the actor between the “inner” and “outer” processes and experiences that constitute acting as a phenomenon and process taking place in and through the immediate stream of consciousness and experience of the performative moment’’ (Zarrilli, 2015, p.75). The third is an interdisciplinary and multi-level approach to human experience aimed at dissolving conflicts and achieving personal and social change through the development of awareness. The roots of the approach are found in the analytical psychology of C. Jung, quantum physics, and Taoism. It was developed in the early 1970s by quantum physicist and Jungian analyst Arnold Mindell and his colleagues, initially as a therapeutic approach but now widely recognized as an awareness practice, applying its methodology in a broad range of work with individuals, groups, and communities.

 

The structure of the workshop consists of the following stages:

a) introduction and participatory guidelines,

b) introductory experiential action,

c) immersion in the story and targeted participatory actions,

d) Group Process, an organized discussion led by the facilitator aiming to support the different sides of a topic by facilitating the expression and meaningful dialogue among all. This acts as a reflective practice to provide space and voice to participants so they can distill the dense experiential learning that has preceded and connect it to daily life. It is a deeply democratic and inclusive process.

 

Key objectives for participants are: a) fostering awareness around issues of race (power dynamics, privilege, white supremacy, white fragility, etc.) as well as initiating skill development in management; b) strengthening and promoting theater as an intervention in the school community and society; c) empowering the relationship between formal and artistic education.

 

The integration of Processwork tools into theater practice by a professional from both fields is innovative and is introduced through the theoretical and practical research of the author toward a ‘’Process - Oriented Theater Practice’’.

 

The workshop can address groups of adolescents and adult individuals (separately). It has been applied a) in adolescent groups at the Theater Education Workshop of the Drama School of the Athens Conservatory (2019-2023), b) in a group of educators at the National Theater’s seminar on youth theater (2022), c) with students from all grades in middle and high school at the Athens College (2024).

 

NOTE Language: English (with help in translation for Greek participants)

No prior experience is required.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing.

The workshop includes exercises that may involve physical contact.

 

Bibliography

Avdi, Avra, and Chatzigeorgiou, Melina (2007) *The Art of Drama in Education*, Metaichmio Publishing, Athens.

Dollan, J. (2005) *Utopia in Performance: Finding Hope in Theater*, University of Michigan Press.

Mindell, A. (1995). *Sitting in the Fire*. Portland, OR: Lao Tse Press.

Saad, L. F. (2020), *Me and White Supremacy*, Sourcebooks.

Zarrilli, P.B. (2015), “The Actor’s Work on Attention, Awareness, and Active Imagination: Between Phenomenology, Cognitive Science, and Practices of Acting.” In *Performance and Phenomenology: Traditions and Transformations*, ed. Maaike Bleeker, Jon Foley Sherman, and Eirini Nedelkopoulou, 75–96. New York and London: Routledge.

 

Maria Olga Athinaiou was born in Athens in 1978. She is a graduate of the Higher School of Dramatic Art of the Theater Organization Morphes (Empros Theater). She underwent further training in the working method of Russian director J. Alschitz. She apprenticed with P. Zarrilli on the psychophysical function of the actor/performer. She specialized in Educational Drama at the Porta Theater Workshop. She holds a diploma in Process Oriented Psychology. She works toward a theater practice based on process, focusing on personal development and psychophysical well-being in theater practices, supporting the creative process, and the social dimension of theater as a vehicle for change. She was responsible for the Theater Education Workshop of the Drama School of the Athens Conservatory (2014-2023). She collaborates with organizations in artistic and formal education as well as NGOs, implementing artistic/educational programs. As an actress, she has worked with Greek and foreign directors and has presented two directorial works.


 


 

 
FRIDAY 21/3/2025, 16.30-19.00

"The Raft Game"
Georgia Antoniou,
teacher at 5th High School Corfu Greece
Angeliki Kladi teacher at 5th High School Corfu Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5405 (wheelchair accessible)

The acceptance of self through the affirmation of others
Lambros Arapakos, social worker, Greece
Giouli Douvou, theatre pedagogue, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 131 (no wheelchair accessible

"we all can…supporting diversity through enhancing the general self-confidence of adolescents in secondary education"
Aikaterini Asimidou, teacher, Music School of Piraeus, Greece
Antonios Lenakakis, Professor of Theatre Arts and Education, Department of Preschool Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Angelos Souliotis, music teacher,  Music School of Piraeus, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5407 (wheelchair accessible)

"Biography Based Language Teaching Through Creative Drama"
Ferah Burgul-Adıgüzel Assoc. Prof. Gazi University Gazi Faculty of Education, Turkey
Language: English
Room: 132 (no wheelchair accessible)

"The theatrical educational model through the neurological approach of acting"
Annita Capousizi, 
Instructor of the inclusive performing arts, Artistic director of the theatre group ARTimeleia, Greece

Language: Greek
Room: 5404 (wheelchair accessible)

"Oficina Manta plus democracy and modern slavery"
Hugo Miguel Coelho
, ExQuorum, Portugal
Language: English
Room: 127 (no wheelchair accessible)

"I am Malala - a process drama approach to address gender-based violence in classrooms"
Adam Cziboly, 
associate professor Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
Language: English
Room: 310 (wheelchair accessible)

The Navel of the Earth- A workshop on inclusion” 
Maria Frangi,
University of Patras Department of Theatre Studies, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 313 (wheelchair accessible)

"Lotus Project yoga meets poetry"
Bruno Freyssinet 
artistic director of Transplanisphere France
Foteini Dimitriou Yoga Family Violet Alignment school, Greece
Language: English/Greek/French
Room: 311 (wheelchair accessible)

"Who Was My Granny"
Sunčica Milosavljević, theatre director, drama pedagogue, Serbia
Nataša Milojević, drama and dance pedagogue, Serbia
Mladen Brekić, Youth Drama Club POKUS, Serbia
Sara Prodanović, Youth Drama Club POKUS, Serbia
Language: English
Room: 5204-nykton organon (wheelchair accessible)

"POWER! - Exploring and blocking racism within and around us” 
George Moschos,
Director of Youth Engagement Scheme YES, CAMHI, Greece 
Olga Orfanidou, primary school teacher, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 410 (wheelchair accessible)

"A Thousand Languages of Dance: Dance as a Tool for Inclusion"
Maria Papadopoulou,
Movement Teacher / Trainer, InDancEdu, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: Estiatorio (wheelchair accessible with some difficulty)

"Journey to the Water"
Tríona Stokes, 
Drama Lecturer, Maynooth University, Ireland
Language: English
Room: 312 (wheelchair accessible)

"Devised Theatre - new meanings and new narratives"
Sofia Vgenopoulou, child psychiatrist, director, theatre educator-group animator, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 409-chorodias (wheelchair accessible)

 

 


SATURDAY 22/3/2025, 09.30-12.00

"The things couldn't fit in my suitcase"
Ömer Adıgüzel, Prof. University Faculty of Educational Sciences, Turkey
Zeki Özen, Assoc. Prof.  Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences, Turkey
Language: English
Room: 131 
(no wheelchair accessible)

"Uninstall the installs: deconstructing the roots of fascism"
Katerina Alexiadi, 
educator, drama teacher Greece
Vasilis Klissiaris educator, drama teacher Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5405 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Theatre as an Awareness Practice: 1955 - 2024, a Bus Ride"
Maria Olga Athinaiou
, Theatre Practitioner, Processworker, Greece
Language: English
Room: 5404 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Oratio Mix, intercultural dialog at school"
Noémie Besace
, artist, pedagogue, France
Bruno Freyssinet, artistic director Transplanisphère, France
Language: English/French
Room: 132 
(wheelchair accessible)

Theatre with singing as a vehicle
Aris Biniaris, 
Director, actor, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: Estiatorio 
(wheelchair accessible with some difficulty)

"Embodied Storytelling: Exploring Kathabhinaya for Empowering Vulnerable Social Groups"
Janardan Ghosh, 
story performer, creative director, education officer, India
Language: English
Room: 409-chorodias 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Everyday stories through trace, movement, and sound” 
An inclusive approach inspired by local pedagogy, kinesiology, and the work of Trisha Brown.

Vagelis Kolotsios, educator, Greece
Elina Vafeiadi, educator, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 127 
(no wheelchair accessible)

"The prince and the prince"
George Konstantinidis, Child Psychologist, Actor, Volunteer at the Rainbow School, Greece
Elena Skarpidou, Sexual Education Trainer, Head of Education Department at the Rainbow School, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5407 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Devising as a Process of Inclusion and Developing Group Harmony" 
Sanja Krsmanović Tasić, 
choreographer, dance-theatre practitioner, Serbia 
Language: English
Room: 5204-nykton organon 
(wheelchair accessible)

"The Red Lantern Festival, or How the Emperor’s Maidservant changed his Mind and Saved the People"
John O’ Toole, Professor University of Melbourn, Australia
Language: English
Room: 410 
(wheelchair accessible)

Truth or Lie’ - simple responses to a complex world
Lutz Pickardt
director, theatre pedagogue, BuT, Germany
Language: English
Room: 313 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Elements of applied theater and technique by Ivana Chubbuk 12 Tools in drama pedagogy on examples of scenes from plays by A.P. Chekhov"
Arma Tanovic-Brankovic Professor on Academy of Performing Arts, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Language: English
Room: 311 
(wheelchair accessible)

"One Well, One World: Activating Water Justice in the Global Textile Industry"
Philip Valle 
Lecturer - Department of Theatre and Dance, California Polytechnic State University, USA
Phyllis Wong Lecturer - Department of Theatre and Dance, California Polytechnic State University, USA
Jenna Brock Student, Research and Teaching Assistant - California Polytechnic State University, USA
Sara Sjoblom Student and Research Assistant - California Polytechnic State University USA
Language: English
Room: 312 
(wheelchair accessible)

“Me, You, Together!” 
Eirini Zoi,
philologist, drama teacher, Greece 
Foteini Papacharalampous, psychologist, psychotherapist, Greece 
Melina Hadjigeorgiou, drama teacher, educator, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 310 
(wheelchair accessible)

 


SUNDAY 23/3/2025, 09.30-11.30

“Getting into improv theatre”
Frank Hohl, theatre pedagogue, Germany
Language: English
Room: 313 
(wheelchair accessible)

Where is mum? - Applying Drama for Gender Equality Education” 
Martha Katsaridou,
Assistant Professor of Drama/Theatre Education at the Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Greece 
Koldo Vio, Drama Educator, Theatre director, Greece/Spain 
Language: English /Spanish/Greek
Room: 132 
(no wheelchair accessible):

“Codes Under the Shadows”
Aglaia Naka,
drama-pedagogue, Greece
Christos Rachiotis, actor, animator, teacher, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 127 
(wheelchair accessible)

"Play Jam"
Eleni Papaioannou, Movement Educator, Choreographer, Performer, Greece
Language: English
Room: 131 
(no wheelchair accessible)

“Talking about the ideas of hate in the classroom” 
Kostis Papaioannou,
director ofSIMEIO: for the Study and Confrontation of the Right-Wing Extremists”, Greece 
Aspasia Kalisora, teacher, member ofSIMEIO: for the Study and Confrontation of the Right-Wing Extremists”, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 5204-nykton organon 
(wheelchair accessible)


 

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