From 26 to 28 June, 2025, the ACΑδIMIA European Teacher Training Summer Campus in Epidaurus organized by Action Synergy – the project coordinator – brought together trainers and teachers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, and Spain for a unique professional development experience combining the EAR Methodology, Drama in Education, and the study of Ancient Greek Theatre.
Hosted in the inspiring setting of Epidaurus and taking place in a real camping environment, the Summer Campus created a vibrant learning community where participants exchanged ideas, developed new educational tools, and experienced first-hand the transformative power of theatre as a teaching methodology.
Day 1: Building Connections Through Theatre
The Summer Campus began with participants arriving from across Europe and engaging in activities designed to foster collaboration and group cohesion. Kostas and Ifigenia from Action Synergy facilitated a series of get-to-know-each-other games and warm-up exercises, introducing participants to practical techniques from Theatre in Education.
A key highlight of the day was a workshop led by Mrs. Kamtsis, Director of Topos Allou Theatre, who introduced participants to the history and principles of Ancient Greek Theatre. Working in teams, educators created short performances inspired by real tragedies, exploring how dramatic expression can support learning, empathy, and critical thinking in educational settings.
The day was filled with creativity, dialogue, and shared experiences, marking an excellent beginning to the training programme.
Day 2: EAR Methodology in Action – Exploring Antigone
The second day focused on the application of the EAR Methodology (Empathy – Analysis – Reflection) through a case study of Sophocles’ Antigone. Facilitated by Ifigenia Georgiadou and Ntina Aidona, the workshops combined analytical thinking with creative expression.
Participants explored the central themes and binary oppositions within Antigone and took part in a Socratic Dialogue workshop that encouraged deep reflection and critical thinking. Through discussion and debate, teachers examined questions of justice, authority, personal responsibility, and civic duty—issues that remain highly relevant in contemporary education.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in practical workshops on Forum Theatre and Documentary Theatre. By stepping into the roles of the play’s characters and exploring complex social dilemmas through performance, they developed a deeper understanding of empathy and participatory learning.
The day also included presentations of the two pillars of the EAR Methodology—Socratic Dialectics and Theatre as Teaching Tools—and collaborative work on designing educational scenarios that can be implemented in classrooms across Europe.
An Unforgettable Cultural Experience
One of the most memorable moments of the Summer Campus was the visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Participants attended the world premiere of Antigone by Sophocles, directed by Ulrich Rasche, performed by the National Theatre of Greece as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.
Experiencing this iconic tragedy in one of the world’s most significant ancient theatres provided a powerful connection between theory, practice, culture, and education. It was a unique opportunity to witness the timeless relevance of Greek drama while reflecting on its educational applications.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
More than a training course, the ACΑδIMIA Summer Campus was a living learning community. The camping environment encouraged informal exchange, intercultural dialogue, and meaningful collaboration among participants from different countries and educational backgrounds.
The programme demonstrated how theatre, dialogue, reflection, and experiential learning can enrich teaching practices and promote inclusive, student-centred education.
A Collective Effort
This unforgettable learning experience would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and commitment of many people.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our inspiring trainers: Nikolas Kamtsis, Ifigenia Georgiadou, Ntina Aidona, and Ádám Bethlenfalvy, whose expertise, creativity, and guidance shaped every aspect of the programme.
Special thanks also go to all participating teachers for their inspirational, creative, and inclusive engagement throughout the Summer Campus, as well as to our youngest participant, whose thoughtful observations and meaningful contributions enriched many discussions.
We are deeply grateful to the Action Synergy team for their hard work, enthusiasm, and positive energy in bringing this initiative to life. Finally, we warmly thank the wonderful team at Camping Bekas, who undertook the responsibility of hosting and supporting this innovative programme for the first time. Their professionalism, kindness, care, and hospitality ensured that all participants felt welcomed, relaxed, and at home throughout the experience.
Looking Forward
The ACΑδIMIA European Teacher Training Summer Campus in Epidaurus has shown how powerful educational experiences can emerge when innovative methodologies, cultural heritage, and international collaboration come together.
The friendships, knowledge, and inspiration gained during these days will continue to resonate in classrooms across Europe, contributing to more creative, reflective, and inclusive educational practices for years to come.
