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On December 2–3, 2024, the Cologne/Bonn Academy in Exile hosted an enriching and thought-provoking workshop facilitated by Anastasia Vorobyeva, Yuliia Terentieva, and Valentine Hoffmann at the University of Bonn. These experienced professionals brought their expertise in Playback Theater to guide the Fellows through a journey of storytelling, emotional exploration, and shared reflection. Playback Theater, an improvisational art form where personal stories are enacted on the spot, was the central methodology, fostering connection, healing, and understanding among participants.
The workshop introduced the Fellows to the principles and techniques of Playback Theater while providing a safe and inclusive environment for dialogue. Over the two days, participants engaged deeply with themes of resilience, personal and collective challenges, and visions for the future. The group explored emotions and experiences in the context of war and displacement, delving into personal stories that highlighted moments of overcoming adversity.
The Fellows responded enthusiastically to the workshop, noting the warmth and inclusivity fostered by the facilitators. The diverse backgrounds of the leadership team, encompassing Ukrainian, Russian, and German perspectives, brought a unique sensitivity to the discussions, which resonated deeply with the participants. The methodologies employed not only encouraged personal expression but also strengthened bonds within the group, enabling a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.
Many participants expressed how transformative they found the Playback Theater approach. They valued the opportunity to share their experiences in a supportive space and to witness the power of storytelling as a tool for building empathy and fostering collective healing. The workshop was praised for its ability to inspire hope and provide meaningful tools for navigating challenging times.
This event reinforced the importance of creative and participatory methods in the Academy’s program, highlighting their potential to address complex emotional and social dynamics. The success of this workshop encourages the Academy to continue offering innovative, community-focused initiatives that empower scholars in exile and promote dialogue and resilience.
The Workshop was funded by the Ministerium für Kinder, Jugend, Familie, Gleichstellung, Flucht und Integration des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
