“Rediscovering Equality: My Personal Journey through Theatre and Arts with GETTA”
is a reflection by Daria Spetcu (Asociația Nuclee, Romania) on her transformative experience as part of an Erasmus+ project exploring gender equality through theatre and art. Blending professional acting with forum theatre, collaboration, and powerful personal stories, Daria’s journey highlights the impact of creativity, empathy, and teamwork in tackling social issues and inspiring change.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this project possible. I believe I speak not only for myself but also for many others when I say that this experience has been deeply enriching and transformative. The efforts, dedication, and hard work that went into organizing this Erasmus project provided us with an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and connect.
For me, the experience as a professional actor in the Erasmus project on gender equality through theatre and art was a great pleasure. From the start, I knew that my friend and I, who participated together, would be the only ones from this field, while the rest of the participants were not. However, this was not a problem – on the contrary, we wanted to encourage and inspire the others, giving them confidence to get involved and push beyond their limits alongside us.
That’s why we always talked and communicated with each other, offering advice and helping one another. It was a pleasure to work from a different perspective of theatre, not only because of the language differences, working with unfamiliar people and beginners in the field, but also because of the forum theatre format, which was something relatively new for us until that moment.
My experience during this Erasmus journey was vast and multifaceted. The themes of discussion challenged us to think in ways we hadn’t before, pushing us to delve into research, analyse information critically, and share our insights in creative and innovative ways. Likewise, we received information in equally engaging formats, which made the learning process dynamic and enjoyable.
The place, the people, and the personal stories we encountered created a truly inspiring environment. The setting itself was conducive to “mind work,” fostering focus and collaboration. However, it was the people who truly made the experience exceptional. Among them, the coordinators Marie and Yannis deserve special mention. They are two extraordinary individuals whose passion, dedication, and expertise ensured the success of this project. Their meticulous planning and empathetic approach provided us with a meaningful and impactful learning experience.
With compassion and an open-minded attitude, we engaged in thought-provoking discussions on various examples of gender inequality. Through these conversations, we explored complex issues and brainstormed potential solutions. One of the standout moments of the program was the use of forum theatre, a participatory performance method that Marie expertly introduced to us. This interactive approach allowed everyone to get involved and tackle sensitive topics in a creative and constructive way.
The key to the success of our learning program was how the concept of gender equality was thoughtfully divided into multiple real-life examples. This structure not only made the discussions more relatable but also allowed us to approach the topic from diverse perspectives. The combination of theoretical exploration, hands-on activities, and creative expression made this experience truly unforgettable.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude and admiration for everything this project has offered. The stories we shared, many of them deeply personal, created a space of trust and vulnerability that allowed us to truly connect and understand one another. These discussions were not just about sharing experiences; they were about collectively exploring solutions while keeping in mind the complexities, struggles, and contexts surrounding the issues. Together, we tackled real challenges and brainstormed practical ways to address them, ensuring that our ideas were rooted in empathy and awareness. The coordinators, Yannis and Marie, played an essential role in this process. Their positivity and encouragement were constant sources of motivation for all of us.
They recognized the value of our efforts and always pushed us to go further, to think deeper, and to strive for better outcomes. Their ability to guide us with compassion and enthusiasm created an environment where growth felt natural and rewarding. As I reflect on this journey, I am struck by how much we grew as individuals and as a group. The collaborative spirit, the creative problem-solving, and the genuine care everyone brought to the table made this experience truly special. The lessons I’ve learned and the memories we’ve created will stay with me for a lifetime, reminding me of the power of shared stories, open minds, and collective effort.
RO 
EN