Using Theatre Techniques to enhance European Values for the Elderly

"<< Background >>The decision to apply for ETERNAL was driven by its alignment with the critical needs of older adults, particularly in fostering social engagement, providing meaningful learning opportunities, and addressing issues of isolation and routine monotony. The project’s objectives were recognized as highly impactful, aiming to promote an active European lifestyle by embracing values such as tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, using the universal language of theatre as one of the main non-formal education tools of the project. Acknowledging the need for older adults -especially those coming from peripheral european cities -to travel, experience other cultures, and socialize, the project provided the opportunity to around 20 seniors in total to visit the European institutions in Brussels and/or participate in theatre workshops in Serbia. These activities allowed participants to connect with different cultures, collaborate creatively, and express their voices in innovative ways. Through the use of theatre techniques, participants were offered a unique platform to escape daily routines, engage in cultural enrichment, and strengthen their connection to a shared European identity. << Objectives >>The implementation of the ETERNAL project aimed to achieve several key objectives. Foremost, it sought to address the social, cultural, and emotional needs of seniors by engaging them in high-quality adult learning activities. These activities were designed to foster social interaction, reduce isolation, and encourage an active and fulfilling lifestyle aligned with European values such as tolerance, diversity, and inclusion.A significant goal was to provide participants with opportunities to experience different cultures, and connect with their European identity, including seniors from a non-member country. Through the international training activities and the produced podcast series, the project created spaces for intercultural dialogue, creative collaboration, and personal expression. Participants were encouraged to use theatre as a medium to articulate their voices, share their stories, and explore innovative ways of self-expression.The project aimed to show the transformative potential of theatre as an educational and cultural tool, showcasing its ability to strengthen community bonds and promote a shared European identity. All in all, the ETERNAL aspired to reinforce the role of seniors as valued European citizens.<< Implementation >>The activities implemented in the ETERNAL project were carefully designed to align with the project’s objectives and address the needs of both the participating organizations and the target groups. - Public School for Civic Education in Brussels: 15 participants visited the Parliamentarium, and the House of European History among others, to deepen their understanding of European values. It was a unique opportunity for the participants to engage directly with the institutions and build a sense of active European citizenship.- Theatre Workshop in Subotica: 12 female participants took part in an inclusive creative and simplified theatre workshop that encouraged self-expression, collaboration, and cultural exchange. This activity enabled the elderly to explore innovative ways of storytelling and self-expression, promoting personal growth and community connection.- The Eternal Podcast Series: Six educational podcasts were developed to provide additional learning opportunities to a wider audience. These podcasts were designed to be accessible and engaging, allowing participants to continue exploring the themes of European values, active ageing, drama thearpy at their own pace.<< Results >>The ""Eternal Podcast Series"" comprises six 20-minute episodes in English, accessible on Spotify and the project website. Each episode - produced or translated in English for wider accessibility - explores unique themes at the intersection of theatre, education, and European values. Titles include: 1) Drama Therapy for All Generations, highlighting therapeutic benefits of drama; 2) Democracy through Theater in Education, emphasizing theatre's role in civic engagement; 3) EU Policies on Active Ageing, discussing European strategies for senior empowerment; 4) Eternal Stages: Elevating Elderly Voices through Theatre, showcasing the real case of an amateur theatre troupe of seniors ; 5) European Identity – What Unites Us?, exploring shared cultural values in the EU; and 6) Experiences and Perspectives: European Identity in the Lives of the 55+ Generation, reflecting the personal narrative of a senior participant. This series promotes dialogue and cultural cohesion across age groups.Thanks to the project, a dedicated website - which can be found under eternalerasmusplus.wordpress.com - was also developed, hosting the podcast series, and showcasing the experience of our senior participants in two intercultural training activities."