Global growth and artistic transformation through the Theatre in Palm Project

Participating in the Theatre in Palm project has been a transformative experience for my career, opening doors to international opportunities and pushing the boundaries of my creative work through invaluable global interactions. From Athens to Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Finland, each phase of this journey shaped my artistic practice, deepened my cultural understanding, and refined my ability to collaborate and adapt on an international stage.

The beginnings: A new world of opportunities

Theatre in Palm connected me to an international network that quickly became instrumental in developing my craft. The project introduced me to a vast array of opportunities, one of which arose shortly after my initial showcase in Athens. During the premiere of my work there, I learned about an open call in Amsterdam through Theatre in Palm’s extensive network. Seizing this opportunity, I performed my piece as a work-in-progress in Amsterdam, embracing the challenge of adapting it for an English-speaking audience. The translation process brought unexpected insights, as I had to delve into the nuances of language, emotion, and cultural perception to ensure that my work resonated across linguistic barriers. This adaptation expanded my creative range, adding depth to my performance and showing me how art can transcend language.

The art of adaptation: Working across spaces and cultures

Each new venue introduced unique spatial and technical challenges, encouraging me to reimagine the piece each time I performed it. In Amsterdam, working with a local technical team, I learned to adapt lighting and other elements to suit unfamiliar spaces, blending my vision with the expertise of local collaborators. This process not only honed my technical skills but also gave me a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of theater. Each performance demanded a unique setup—new lighting angles, sound configurations, and spatial adjustments. Adapting the piece to different stages taught me flexibility and fostered a fresh approach to each performance, as I learned to re-envision and refine my work to suit new environments.

The Lisbon experience: A celebration of cultural intersections

One of the most impactful moments of this journey occurred in Lisbon in October 2023, where I completed and performed the final version of my piece. This performance was part of an evening program that featured my work alongside another show created during a residency and focused on Roma culture. The cultural depth and diversity of the evening made for a powerful experience, not only for the audience but also for me as a performer. Engaging with themes from different cultural narratives, I found a profound sense of connection and community that underscored the universal power of art. The evening’s layered programming provided a space for artistic expressions that resonated across cultures, transforming the event into a meaningful exploration of identity and human experience.

Performing in Finland: Growth trough diversity

Following Lisbon, I took the work to Finland, where I performed two shows in November. Each performance in a new country presented distinct challenges, but these experiences continued to refine my adaptability and collaborative skills. In Finland, I faced new technical specifications, spatial constraints, and audience expectations that pushed me to innovate on the spot. These challenges taught me to work creatively with available resources, further developing my resilience as an artist. The Finnish audiences responded with enthusiasm, and their feedback offered fresh perspectives that helped shape my work in its final form.

Building connections and shaping my future

Throughout these experiences, Theatre in Palm has been the foundation of my expanding network, connecting me to artists, curators, and creative professionals across multiple countries. Each performance not only enriched my network but also opened doors to further career opportunities, contributing to a growing international presence that has already proven transformative for my work. The journey from the initial showcase to the final presentation has underscored the profound impact of international exposure and collaboration on my growth as an artist.

This momentum culminated in an upcoming series of six performances scheduled in Athens in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in my career. Reflecting on this journey, I am profoundly grateful to Theatre in Palm, CUBE and the doors it has opened for me. The experience has underscored the power of global collaboration and the lasting impact of shared artistic journeys.

Part of the Performance is available here! Enjoy it!