Stories Across Borders: Exploring Culture Through Drama

Description

This creative course invites teachers on a journey of cultural exploration through the rich tapestry of folktales, myths, and legends from Cyprus and Greece. Participants will delve into these traditional narratives—not only as stories to be told, but as vibrant sources of cultural identity, values, and collective imagination. Using drama-based methods such as improvisation, role-play, and ensemble creation, teachers will reimagine ancient myths and folktales as living material for learning and artistic expression. The various workshops they will participate in combine cultural inquiry with creative practice, encouraging participants to experience, interpret, and share stories in dynamic, embodied ways.

Building on this foundation, teachers will be guided to research folk narratives, myths, or legends from their own cultures and communities. Through this process, they will learn how to integrate storytelling and drama techniques into their teaching, fostering intercultural understanding, empathy, and creativity among their students. The course empowers educators to use cultural storytelling as a bridge between heritage and contemporary learning, transforming classrooms into spaces of discovery, dialogue, and imagination.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand the educational and cultural significance of folktales, myths, and legends.
Apply drama strategies to creatively explore and interpret traditional narratives.
Research and adapt stories from their own cultural backgrounds for classroom use.
Promote intercultural awareness and appreciation through storytelling and performance.
Design learning experiences that connect cultural heritage with modern educational contexts.

Indicative Daily Programme

Day 1 – Introduction to Drama in Education

Icebreakers and ‘get to know each other’ games
Course aims and expectations
Overview of Drama in Education
Team building activities

Day 2 – Cultural Exploration Phase 1

Presentation on the power of tales, myths and legends on children’s growth and personal development (with reference to Joe Winston and Jonathan Neelands)
Drama workshop based on a Cypriot tale
Reflection and discussion

Day 3 – Cultural Exploration Phase 2

Drama workshop on Cypriot myths and legends
Reflection
Discussion on adapting drama-based storytelling for participants’ own cultures and classrooms

Day 4 – Research and Task Preparation

Group division and research on folktales, myths or legends from participants’ home countries
Selection of one story per group
Drama scheme planning and preparation

Day 5 – Drama workshops presentation

Group-led drama workshops (participants act as drama educators)
Constructive feedback and reflection on the process
Farewell and celebration activities
Final reflection and certificate ceremony

Day 6 – Cultural Excursion

Cultural visit in the local area
Opportunities for networking and intercultural exchange

Sessions

Select the date you prefer and click 'Register Now' to secure your spot.

ⓘ Key Information

Here are the important specifics regarding attendance, scheduling, activities, and what you will need.

Certificate of Completion

Requirement: To be eligible for the Certificate of Completion, participants are required to maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% of all scheduled course sessions.

Issuance: The certificate will typically be issued on the last day of the course (e.g., Friday or Saturday). Upon request, we can also provide supporting documentation to facilitate the completion of your Europass Mobility documents.

Course Schedule

Timing: Classes are held during the weekday, taking place in either the morning or the afternoon. The specific timing will be determined by the course provider and the availability of the trainers.

Flexibility & Finalization: The course outlines are subject to minor modifications, depending on both participants' collective requests and the trainer's discretion. The definitive schedule will be distributed to all participants no later than two weeks (14 days) prior to the start date of the course. Should you have a specific topic you wish to see included, please communicate it at least four weeks in advance.

Cultural & Social Activities

Standard Arrangement: The majority of planned cultural and social activities are organized for Saturday. These typically include tickets to local museums, city cards, or excursions managed by an external tour operator.

- Alternative Timing: If you prefer to utilize these included options earlier in the week, this may be possible. However, please note that choosing an alternative timing means no additional cultural activities will be planned for the final Saturday.

Extra Activities: Additional cultural activities or excursions beyond the standard offering can be arranged upon request for an extra fee.

- Details & Options: For a complete list of recommended attractions, detailed excursion information, and to see what our location in Ammochostos/Famagusta has to offer, please see our dedicated Cultural Activities page.

Required Equipment

Personal Device: Depending on the specific focus and requirements of the course you enroll in, you may be required to bring your own laptop or tablet. Specific instructions will be provided before the course begins.

Course Fee and Confirmation

Tuition Cost: The fee for the full course is 480 €.

Daily Rate: This fee corresponds to a daily rate of 80 €.

Provisional Registration: You are welcome to register for any date, even if the course is not yet officially confirmed, especially for dates several weeks or months away. Once we have a few more enrollments, we will send an official date confirmation. If we are unable to confirm the date you registered for, we will promptly offer you suitable alternative course options.

Participation Confirmation (Payment): To confirm your place and validate your participation in the course, the full course fee must be paid within 7 days (seven calendar days) following your registration.

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