24.06.2026

On 24 June 2026, the workshop “Playback Theatre: The Stories That Shape Us“ took place at Dodona Theatre in Prishtina, facilitated by Zana Hoxha and Albana Gashi.

Through the Playback Theatre methodology, 17 participants shared personal stories, reflected on their identities, challenges, and aspirations, while trust-building, active listening, and improvisation exercises created a safe space for expression, empathy, and connection. Conversations around the people they aspire to become—and the obstacles they have faced—opened the door to honest dialogue and meaningful relationships within the group.

One of the workshop’s most powerful moments was the exercise “Just Like Me,” where participants spoke about experiences of discrimination, prejudice, fear, loneliness, and violence, alongside stories of resilience, hope, and survival. During the reflection session, many shared that, for the first time, they felt truly heard, understood, and reassured that they were not alone in their experiences.

In the practical part of the workshop, emotions were transformed into movement, images, and voice through Playback Theatre techniques. Participants’ personal stories were brought to life by the group, turning individual experiences into collective ones. Stories of discrimination, self-doubt, stage fright, violence, perseverance, empowerment, and achievement became powerful reminders that art can transform pain into strength, solidarity, and hope.

The workshop demonstrated the transformative power of Playback Theatre to build community, foster dialogue, and create a space where every story is heard, respected, and valued as a source of inspiration for others.

This activity was organized within the framework of the WAVES project, co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.