HERE AND THERE, performing ecologies

"<< Background >>Kinitiras and Crooked House (CH) both have similar questions raised around how performance- in a broad sense- might contribute to the discussion and work towards a more promising ecological future. By drawing together young people and creative practitioners from the field of dance and theatre to focus on the subject of “performing ecologies”, we tried to find the role that performance and creative practice can play in our “learning to live with/in” this “ecological crisis”.The motivation for ""HERE AND THERE"" were the young people themselves (Kinitiras Youth and CH Senior Youth Theatre) and our need to support them survive under this hardship of humanity, inspiring them through the performing arts to develop and take in charge of their lives, to face the fear of climate change and find the strength within them to develop and cultivate skills that will transform them into active citizens of Europe and the world.<< Objectives >>In this project, by using dance and theatre inside and outside, in public spaces, we wanted to create a protective “hat” for young people to express themselves as well as their concerns about climate change placing importance on the arts as tools in assisting human growth and development. We wanted them to understand the value of theatre and dance in developing a range of skills which enhance an individual's employability (such skills, for example, as problem-solving, commitment, completion, deferred gratification, group work etc). This emphasis on critical reflection should stimulate their entrepreneurial abilities, and help them realize that there are opportunities for them in today's climate of austerity,cutbacks and fear. H.A.T. was about helping them take action themselves to define their world in their own terms and contribute towards the social awareness regarding ecology and climate change issues.<< Implementation >>Each partner offered a working space for the group of young people where they could meet,discuss & rehearse during the week.A mentor was assigned to each group.The young people had someone to refer to,someone to ask an opinion for,a guide if they wished.Both groups had the chance to attend 4 short workshops (2 each group) led by invited artists in the field of dance & theatre encouraging them to be active citizens and further educate them in those fields.They did site specific work & performed in public spaces.The Irish group visited Athens in August 2022 for an intensive 1 week training program where the 2 groups exchanged ideas and practices and worked all together with experienced educators-artists.The last day they presented a site specific performance in the centre of Athens in the form of public intervention raising awareness regarding climate change.In October 2022 the Greek group presented a site specific performance, in the form of public intervention in Athens.The Irish group presented its site specific performance in the streets of Dublin in April 2023.In the dissemination period,the participants of both countries had the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on their work in their groups and altogether (online).<< Results >>HAT Performing Ecologies was about helping young people take action themselves to define their world in their own terms & contribute towards the social awareness regarding ecology & climate change issues.We brought together young people & creative practitioners from the field of dance & theatre to focus on the subject of “performing ecologies”, so as to examine the role that performance & creative practice can & do play in our “learning to live with/in” this “ecological crisis”.We strongly believe that through these processes,the participants managed to a great extend to:* understand group dynamics in drama & dance work,connect,make decisions* be able to discuss ways in which 'otherness' is presented in our world* be motivated to find ways in which they can challenge negative perceptions & images of young people especially those with fewer opportunities in their community* appreciate the commonalities & differences in each other's culture* face strong challenges,dream for the futureWe think there are more to be done regarding the relationship of young people & the ecological crisis.Their reactions were numb & we have to think of more accurate ways to address the subject matter to younger generations, even maybe to ourselves."