Shadow en Route – The Consortium
A partnership among Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkiye
ITALY
Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome, one of the oldest and largest universities in the world, was founded in 1303 and currently welcomes around 120,000 students annually, including 8,000 international students. Known for its excellence in teaching and research, it offers a wide range of programs and ranks among the top global universities, especially in Classical and Ancient History. The university also plays a key role in promoting cultural and artistic engagement, with initiatives like the Sapienza CREA center and the Centro Teatro Ateneo, dedicated to theatre research and performance.
In the SHADOW-EN-ROUTE project, Sapienza leads coordination and scientific activities, focusing on the historical and cultural journey of Shadow Theatre from Türkiye to Europe. The university is responsible for ensuring the project’s academic depth and methodological rigor, contributing to research, capacity-building, and the supervision of workshops. It also supports communication and dissemination activities, helping to connect traditional shadow theatre with themes of migration and social inclusion across Türkiye, Greece, and Italy.
ITALY
Teatro Gioco Vita
Teatro Gioco Vita, based in Italy, is one of the most internationally acclaimed shadow theatre companies, with over forty years of experience in reinventing the art form. Through the pioneering work of Fabrizio Montecchi and Nicoletta Garioni, the company has transformed traditional shadow theatre into a contemporary artistic language. Their work has been shared globally through performances, workshops, conferences, and publications, earning the company prestigious awards and recognition in the theatre world.
In the SHADOW-EN-ROUTE project, Teatro Gioco Vita plays a central role in innovating and transmitting shadow theatre practices. The company leads two major capacity-building workshops in Italy and Türkiye, contributes to scientific research on contemporary European shadow theatre, and supervises the artistic process in local workshops. It also takes part in all final performance events and supports communication and dissemination efforts, culminating in the final event at Sapienza University in Rome.
ITALY
Amal for Education APS
Amal for Education is a non-profit organization based in Italy, established in 2014 to support children and young people in vulnerable situations, especially in conflict zones and socially disadvantaged areas, with a focus on the Arab world. It develops and manages educational and training programs both in Italy and internationally, ranging from literacy and professional courses to workshops for educators and aid workers. Known for its innovative and intercultural approach, Amal brings together university experts and volunteers to create inclusive learning environments. Since its founding, it has been particularly active in southern Türkiye, supporting Syrian and Turkish communities through community-based projects.
Within SHADOW-EN-ROUTE, Amal for Education leads and coordinates several key activities. It will organize three capacity-building events and a storytelling workshop in Rome, and oversee similar trainings in Türkiye through local partners. The organization will also implement nine shadow theatre workshops in Italy and Türkiye and coordinate public performance events in both countries. Additionally, Amal will co-lead the project’s communication and public outreach, ensuring broad engagement with local communities and the wider public.
GREECE
Syn Koino Coop
SYNKOINO COOP is a Greek social cooperative established in 2016 and recognized by the Ministry of Labor. It focuses on society, environment, and culture, and is composed of a team of ten professionals with backgrounds in education and the arts. The cooperative specializes in using pedagogical and social theatre as tools to support individuals facing social challenges, especially those experiencing integration difficulties. Their creative and empathetic methods use theatre to foster dialogue between host communities and newcomers, helping to ease trauma and promote social understanding.
In the SHADOW-EN-ROUTE project, SYNKOINO COOP is actively involved across multiple areas. It contributes to the research on Greek shadow theatre and will deliver two capacity-building activities in Italy and Türkiye, as well as a storytelling workshop in Thessaloniki. The cooperative will also organize nine shadow theatre workshops and a series of public performances in Thessaloniki, while playing a key role in the project’s communication and dissemination efforts.
SPAIN
SOVINT. Cultura y Desarrollo
SOVINT (Sovint Cultura y Desarrollo) is a Spanish NGO based in Valencia, active since 2010 in promoting social awareness and intercultural understanding. Through educational programs, festivals, and public events, SOVINT fosters coexistence and respect for cultural diversity. The organization has a special focus on shadow theatre as a tool for social dialogue and human rights education, and hosts a permanent shadow theatre museum along with dedicated spaces for social engagement. Its work includes innovative workshops on themes such as memory, peacebuilding, and storytelling.
In SHADOW-EN-ROUTE, SOVINT contributes to research on contemporary shadow theatre in Spain and supports training for social workers through two capacity-building workshops in Italy and Türkiye. It will also take part in all final performance events and help create communication materials. The organization will be a key player in the final dissemination event held at Sapienza University in Rome, bringing its experience in social theatre and community engagement to the project’s broader goals.
TURKIYE
Amal İnsani Yardım Derneği (AIYD)
Amal İnsani Yardım Derneği (AIYD) will implement workshops, organize final performances, and support communication and outreach at the local and regional level. AIYD, established in Gaziantep in 2018 and expanded to Kilis in 2019, will play a leading role in delivering capacity-building sessions, storytelling workshops, shadow theatre activities, and final events. It will also manage video production and communication efforts in Türkiye under the coordination of Amal for Education aps.