«Puppet and the Healing of the Soul»

ACTIVE CITIZENS FUND, Oslo, 22-24 September 2023

As part of the project “Puppet and the Healing of the Soul” we conducted three puppet workshops in Oslo on September 22, 23, and 24 for individuals with mental illnesses and addictions. Our Norwegian partner, Frode Barth from the NGO “Culture Break Borders” played a crucial role. In the workshops, we learned to create simple puppets from newspapers and masking tape, animate them, and engage in small improvisations with the puppets based on a thematic approach.

Through art, we managed to break down social barriers and bring together people who did not know each other through different forms of art. Throughout the workshop, we saw participants overcoming their inhibitions and fears, focusing on creating their puppets, expressing thoughts and emotions, communicating, helping each other, and developing their imagination.

Through play with others, participants learned to understand the emotions of those around them and interact with them, developing empathy and cooperation. Through the puppets and group interaction, they felt acceptance, safety in expression and communication, and received positive feedback from those around them. It was demonstrated that music combined with puppetry can have tremendous positive effects on individuals’ psyche and mood, as Frode Barth’s live music relaxed them, provided inspiration, and enhanced their movement and expression of emotions.

The project “Puppet and the Healing of the Soul” was implemented within the framework of the Active Citizens Fund program, with the implementing organization being “Prasin Aloga” and partners the NGO “Culture without Borders.” The Active Citizens Fund Greece program, amounting to €15 million, is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism for the 2014–2021 period, known as EEA Grants. The program aims to strengthen and enhance the sustainability of civil society and highlight its role in promoting democratic processes, increasing citizen participation in public affairs, and defending human rights. The management of the Active Citizens Fund grant for Greece is jointly undertaken by the Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow.

Read more here: www.activecitizensfund.gr