On the occasion of the World Theatre Day 2025, the first edition of the UNITUS Theatre Laboratory for Inclusion has been inaugurated as an initiative of the CoSME Project, supported by the University Inclusion Committee.

The Laboratory, lasting 30 hours, will take place at the ArchLab and the Exhibition Hall of Santa Maria in Gradi on March 26, 27, 28 – April 8 and 9, from 9 AM to 3 PM. It will be led by Dr. Francesca Aloi, under the scientific coordination of the Rector’s Delegate for Inclusion, Dr. Martina Galli, and the project proposer, Prof. Daniela Vitiello.

This theatrical practice does not rely on traditional scripts but focuses on the lived experiences of participants, aiming to foster social change and develop critical awareness of selected themes. Through the Theatre Laboratory for Inclusion, the student, academic, and local communities will have the opportunity to engage in critical reflection on society and develop concrete strategies to address various challenges impacting human and professional growth.

The first phase of the Laboratory will feature a theoretical introduction to Augusto Boal’s Theatre methodology and the experimentation of his games-exercises, designed to build trust, stimulate expressiveness, and encourage discussion on relevant social issues. The second phase will employ various theatrical techniques, including Image Theatre and Newspaper Theatre. The latter utilizes theatrical language to highlight distortions and manipulations of reality by the media. By working with newspaper articles and news reports, this technique aims to uncover what lies between the lines, allowing participants to explore and represent a variety of themes (e.g., human rights, international migration, gender equality, cultural diversity, disability, and neurodiversity).

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the PRIN CoSME project, which seeks to develop a European model of community sponsorship for refugees by fostering public-private partnerships that facilitate safe entry, reception, and integration. The Theatre Laboratory for Inclusion contributes to this goal by promoting awareness and inclusive practices within the academic and local communities.

For an overview of what the Theatre of the Oppressed is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxQ6SsfhiCw.

For a glimpse of past experiences, watch the video featuring previous participants in Theatre of the Oppressed academic courses with Francesca Aloi: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFXYHpzYPE/IpM3erKJMhwf1KfVvQtUFw/watch

For more information and registration: laboratorioinclusione@unitus.it

Porta Futuro Link: https://portafuturolazio.it/stampa-e-media/news/laboratorio-di-ateneo-teatro-per-l%E2%80%99inclusione.aspx