Kairos International Youth Exchange
3rd-11th August 2019, Newbridge
Kairos was an Erasmus+ funded international youth exchange hosted by Crooked House. It involved young actors from Kildare Youth Theatre, Kinitiras from Greece, On&Off Teatro from Spain, Jugendkulturarbeit E.V. from Germany, Bronks from Belgium, and New Woolsey Theatre from the UK. The project aimed to use theatre-making and dance to make short performances that promote what we believe in as young people. Participants worked in groups of mixed nationalities to research the rise of right-wing parties and governments across Europe, discussing how they might best respond to some of the arguments put forward by these parties. The nine day project culminated in short performances which responded to the policies of right wing agendas.
"I feel very lucky that I had the chance to work, to speak, to laugh and to explore such an important subject. The fact that so many young people are aware of those issues makes me feel very optimistic" - Greek male, 26.
"I have had a liberating, unifying and exciting week. I have not only learnt a lot about other cultures, but I have reflected on my own" - UK female, 21.
I am grateful to the European Union for supporting programmes like this because I think it is a huge enrichment, and shows what humans are able to create: a space of art and benevolence and empathy and diversity" - German female, 18.
