Prism Project 2025: A Journey of Creativity, Courage, and Connection.

Participants during a workshop at the Prism Project in Catalunya.

The following article has been written by Serena Giordanengo, ESC volunteer and  Group Leader for PRISM

From July 6th to 13th, I had the privilege of being a group leader and facilitator for the PRISM Youth Exchange in La Seu d’Urgell, a beautiful town in the Pyrenees mountains of Catalunya. Over the course of eight days, 30 young people from Ireland, Catalunya, Germany, Lithuania, and Portugal came together to explore the themes of gender, identity,sexuality, and what it means to be yourself in the world today.

The project used theatre as a tool to help young people express themselves, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Each day was filled with workshops, games, creative activities and performances that helped build trust and connection within the group. Participants learned new theatre skills, from movement and voice work  to devising scenes and performing as an ensemble.

The young people worked incredibly hard and with passion throughout the exchange. They were very involved in the creative process, stepping outside their comfort zones to share personal stories and ideas around gender, masculinity, femininity, and identity. They listened, supported each other, and created space for honest conversations that were both emotional and inspiring. As a leader, I was very moved by their courage and openness.

All of this work built up to the final day, when each group presented their devised performances in front of all the participants and members of the community  in La Seu. The pieces were powerful, emotional, and full of meaning. You could really feel how much thought, effort, and heart had gone into them. It was a proud and great moment for all involved.

We couldn’t have done any of this without the amazing support of the host organization, Escola de Teatre de La Seu. Their team made us feel so welcome, and they were incredibly helpful every step of the way, from organising the spaces to leading brilliant workshops and making sure everything ran smoothly.

One of the participants, Jade O’Keane, said something during our final reflection that really stuck with me:

“I’ve never felt more comfortable to be myself than while participating in this project.”

That sentence says it all. PRISM was more than just a theatre exchange. It was a place where young people could be honest, creative, and truly themselves, while connecting with others from different countries and cultures. Watching them come together to discuss real issues and create something meaningful was incredibly powerful, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

This project reminded me of the importance of listening, creating, and being brave enough to be seen. I’m proud to have been a part of it and even more proud of the young people who made it so special.

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