I’m Nadya Yurukova, and I come from Bulgaria. I work with an organization dedicated to teacher training, where my passion lies in bringing drama, theatre games, and performance techniques into the classroom. These tools aren’t just for learning; they’re for fostering the well-being of teachers and students alike.
For years, I’ve believed deeply in the power of theatre to transform education. Yet, I also understand the challenge: changing mindsets, habits, and long-held beliefs is no simple task. That’s why experiences like the one I recently had in Epidaurus, Greece, are so valuable.
For several days, I joined educators from across Europe at a camp by the sea, a setting that encouraged connection, reflection, and inspiration. Part of the program was attending a performance of Antigone by Sophocles at the iconic Epidaurus Theatre – one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Surrounded by thousands of spectators, I felt a profound connection not only to history but also to the enduring power of art.
This wasn’t just an evening of entertainment; it was an integral part of our training program. We engaged in deep analysis of the performance, guided by experts including a theatre director and an improv trainer. These conversations went beyond everyday concerns and allowed us to explore higher concepts – discussions that nourish the soul and refresh the mind.
Theatre, I’ve come to realize even more strongly, is one of the most accessible tools for personal growth and learning. Whether critiquing a performance or simply experiencing it, we give ourselves permission to think deeply, empathize, and imagine.
Improv games and theatre techniques also bring laughter, focus, and positive energy into classrooms. Learning should never feel like suffering; it should spark joy. As I often tell educators, a joyful teacher creates an environment where students thrive. And in today’s world, education is more than just a pathway to opportunity – it is a matter of global security.
Education is a powerful weapon, but unlike others, it doesn’t take lives; it enriches them. If I am to dedicate my life to one pursuit, it will be this: empowering teachers, inspiring students, and harnessing the transformative power of theatre to create happier, healthier classrooms.
