Successful conclusion of the International Conference "Theatre/Drama & Inclusive Education"

The International Conference "Theatre/Drama & Inclusive Education" concluded successfully on March 23, 2025, at the Experimental Music High School of Pallini, transforming the venue into a dynamic hub of global dialogue. Organized to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the project "It Could Be Me, It Could Be You" (2015-2025) and to mark the completion of Theatre Makes Politics (TMP, Erasmus+ 2022-2025), this landmark event, endorsed by IDEA, gathered over 400 educators, artists, drama practitioners, academics, and activists from more than 20 countries. Together, they explored theatre's transformative role in fostering equitable and inclusive societies.

Bringing together leading voices in the field, the conference featured nine keynote speeches, including addresses by Melissa Fleming of the United Nations and distinguished figures such as John O’Toole, Kostas Magos, Kostis Papaioannou, Sanjoy Ganguly, and IDEA President Sanja Krsmanović Tasić. The diverse program engaged participants in thirty-seven experiential workshops, fifty-five research presentations, film screenings, and nine thematic roundtables, all of which examined pressing social issues through the lens of drama and performing arts education. Student and pupil performances further enriched the discourse on inclusive education.

Designed as an interdisciplinary platform, the conference facilitated the exchange of pedagogical, artistic, and socio-political practices, championing equality, justice, and education without exclusion. Emphasizing the need to combat hate speech, xenophobia, and racism, the event showcased innovative applied artistic practices that merge theatricality, embodied practice, and new audiovisual technologies with pedagogical and social action.

Critical discussions centered on how theatre can drive social change by addressing gender inclusion, representing marginalized communities such as the Roma population, advocating refugee rights, and pioneering new pedagogical approaches in prison education, disability inclusion, and intercultural learning. Particular focus was placed on theatre’s unique capacity to challenge social exclusion and foster meaningful dialogue across diverse communities.

The conference sessions explored a broad spectrum of themes focusing especially on hegemonic and anti-hegemonic narratives of otherness in participatory theatre, documentary theatre, educational drama, theatre of the oppressed, performative actions in the public space, and other applied theatre and drama approaches.

This significant gathering was organized by the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr) in strategic partnership with UNHCR and the International Drama/Theatre and Education Association (IDEA). It was further supported by a coalition of twelve universities, including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the University of the Peloponnese. Major international organizations such as UNICEF, the Council of Europe, and the World Alliance for Arts Education also lent their support.

To extend the impact of the conference, all materials—including video recordings and proceedings—will be made available through the official conference website at www.theatroedu.gr, ensuring these vital discussions continue beyond the event.
As Sanjoy Ganguly poignantly stated in his keynote address, "In an increasingly divided world, theatre and education serve as bridges for dialogue and inclusion." His words encapsulated the essence of a conference that underscored the immense potential of performing arts as a force for social transformation.
.