A short film by Thomas Briat is now online, offering the first insight into The Legend of Europa, our collaborative theatre project funded by the European Union as part of Creative Europe. This first episode opens a journey that blends epic storytelling with contemporary reflection, bringing viewers to the very roots of European civilization. The video documents the initial stage of the creative process during the first gathering of artists at Sligo’s Factory Performance Space, held from May 12 to 18, 2025.
Over seven days, artists from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds came together to share languages, perspectives, and creative practices. They explored classical Greek narratives in relation to contemporary social and political realities, focusing on themes of myth, migration, and the evolving identities of Europe. Through collective exercises, improvisation, and individual presentations inspired by classical art, participants experimented with new forms of storytelling, performance, and expression.
The short film provides a vivid record of this collaborative work, highlighting the polyphonic nature of the workshop, the diversity of languages and cultural perspectives, and the creative experimentation that emerged over the week. It demonstrates how ancient narratives can be revisited to reflect on present-day Europe and its wider cultural and social contexts.
A myth that founded a continent
The journey begins with the myth of Europa, the Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull and carried to Crete. More than a mythological tale, this story becomes a symbol of shared cultural origins, of an Europe born from encounters and exchanges between diverse peoples.
The documentary emphasizes that Europe has never been a uniform entity, but rather a complex tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions. From Greek philosophers to Roman lawmakers, from medieval monasteries to Renaissance cities, European identity has been shaped through both encounter and conflict between differences.
A strong underlying theme is historical memory: wars, migrations, artistic and scientific cross-fertilizations. The narrative highlights how awareness of the past is essential to understanding Europe today, a continent still marked by divisions but constantly seeking forms of unity.
The episode also addresses contemporary concerns: modern migrations, geopolitical tensions, and the challenges of shared governance. At the same time, it presents Europe as a living laboratory of coexistence, capable of reinventing itself and drawing strength from its complexity.
This gathering in Sligo represents only the first step of the project. The creative process will continue in Bologna at Teatro dell’Argine, where research and creation will be further developed and expanded.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoqukwAtIns
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