About

The VIABLE UNKNOWNS Project explores sustainable coexistence in European urban spaces through participatory theatre. Inspired by Paulo Freire’s concept of 'viable unknowns'—untried but achievable transformative futures—the project merges artistic expression with community-driven change to envision inclusive and sustainable urban living.

Rooted in transnational collaboration, VIABLE UNKNOWNS brings together theatre professionals, researchers, and minority community groups. Through contemporary, community-centric and eco-conscious theatrical practices, the project fosters dialogue, engagement, and action both on stage and in public spaces.

The project involves 5 partners in 4 countries:

La Xixa (coordinator) and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) from Spain, Cantieri Meticci from Italy, gruppe tag e.V from Germany and Grotowski Institute from Poland.

Context and needs

The VIABLE UNKNOWNS project arises from the critical need to address the intersection of social inequalities and climate change within urban European contexts. It is grounded on the recognition that dominant social groups contribute disproportionately to environmental degradation, while communities in a more vulnerable situation bear the brunt of its consequences, exacerbating existing inequalities. Urban areas, specifically those experiencing gentrification, touristification and demographic shifts, often fail to provide equitable access to quality public spaces and services, particularly for migrants, lower-income residents and minority groups.

This project aims to bridge this gap by employing innovative theatrical methodologies, fostering community engagement and promoting intercultural dialogue. It addresses the policy needs outlined by the EU’s Creative Europe Programme, specifically empowering cultural professionals, enhancing social inclusion and integrating sustainability in artistic practices. Through a transdisciplinary approach that merges theatre, research, activism and advocacy, VIABLE UNKNOWNS seeks not only to raise awareness but also to actively co-create sustainable and inclusive urban living alternatives, thus responding effectively to local and transnational challenges related to social justice, environmental consciousness and cultural participation.

How the Project Addresses These Needs:

Participatory and inclusive theatre productions engage diverse minority and more vulnerable groups in storytelling that reflects their lived experiences.

A co-mentoring and training program enhances cross-border collaboration among artists, researchers and sustainability advocates.

An eco-friendly touring model ensures cultural mobility aligns with green transition goals.

Dissemination through digital media, a documentary, and a transdisciplinary conference broadens the impact and legacy of the project.

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Target Groups

The VIABLE UNKNOWNS project is designed to engage a diverse range of participants across Europe, fostering inclusion, sustainability and transnational collaboration.

Theatre Artists
Researchers in Inclusion & Sustainability
NGO Professionals in Education, Inclusion & Sustainability
Policy Makers & Cultural Institutions
Local Communities Involved in Theatre Co-Creation & Performances
General Public & Online Audiences

Methodology

The VIABLE UNKNOWNS project employs a participatory action-research (PAR) methodology, inspired by Paulo Freire’s educational philosophy and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed (TO). This approach enables co-creation, intercultural dialogue and knowledge generation through theatre and performance.

Participatory Action Research (PAR) & Theatre of the Oppressed (TO)

Participants explore and reflect on sustainability and urban inclusion through theatrical co-creation.
The process involves encoding and decoding lived experiences using theatrical techniques.
This method fosters epistemological curiosity, leading to critical reflection and transformative action.

Forum Theatre for Community Engagement

A political and interactive theatre method where audiences actively participate in revising and changing a staged conflict.
Encourages audiences to test solutions for real-world issues, particularly in sustainability and social inclusion.

Mobile Heterotopias (Assemplaces)

Inspired by Michel Foucault’s concept of heterotopias, the project creates nomadic cultural spaces.
Cantieri Meticci constructs "Assemplaces"—temporary spaces using repurposed materials to give marginalized groups visibility in public spaces.

Acoustic Ecology & Vocal Training

Explores the relationship between soundscapes and sustainability, linking theatre to environmental awareness.
Led by VoiceLab studio (Grotowski Institute), this approach enhances sensitivity to sound in urban environments.

Poor Theatre & Performative Conversations

Based on Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre, emphasizing raw, actor-driven storytelling with minimal resources.
Integrates performative interviews and digital elements like Gather.Town, extending theatrical engagement.

Bridging Research & Theatrical Co-Production

Academic partners (ISOR-UAB and ICTA-UAB) investigate the intersection of ethics, discourse, and environmental sustainability.
Research informs theatrical productions, ensuring scientific rigor and cultural relevance.