“Youth Theatre on Air” is an international online and radio festival of radio theater for children, teenagers, and young adults, jointly organized by three arts organizations: Poupoulo in Thessaloniki, Motivation in Arts in Paphos, and the Creative Drama & Arts Centre in Melbourne. Its aim is to bring Greek language, culture, and theatrical expression to Greek communities worldwide through radio and the internet. Open to everyone, the initiative connects children of Greek heritage from different parts of the world.
Every year since 2020, theater workshops and schools around the world have submitted their radio plays and performances. To date, more than 4,000 primary and secondary school students have participated, from Greece and Cyprus, as well as children from recent immigrant families and first-, second-, and third-generation Greek communities in Melbourne, Poland, and Czechia.
The festival has received consistent support from three major public broadcasters—ERT, SBS Australia, and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC)—which have brought children’s voices to Greek communities abroad for seven years. Festival supporters include the National Theatre of Northern Greece, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the International Hellenic University, the Language, Language Teaching and Culture Laboratory of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, and La Trobe University in Australia.
Among the award-winning radio plays at the 7th Youth Theatre on Air was “The mouse and his daughter,” performed by Class D2 of the 1st Primary School of Arta, which received third prize in the primary education category.
The folktale tells the story of a father searching for the most powerful husband for his daughter, only to discover that true worth lies closer to home than he imagined. Through a simple yet symbolic story, it explores the relative nature of power and the importance of accepting ourselves and others.
This was the children’s first experience of radio theater. From the outset, however, they showed enthusiasm, curiosity, and a wholehearted willingness to explore a new form of expression.
As preparations progressed, they began listening more attentively, working more closely together, and trusting their voices and imaginations. They approached their roles during recording with responsibility and joy. Throughout the process, the children became young creators, bringing their own feelings and perspectives to the performance. Their participation in the festival was both an artistic endeavor and a meaningful learning experience that strengthened their confidence, sense of teamwork, and love of the arts.
Text selection and adaptation: Vangelitsa Melina Katiou, theater educator
Music selection and editing: Maria Gkantzou, substitute music teacher
Direction: Vangelitsa Melina Katiou
Class D2 teacher: Thomas Pappas
The music featured in the podcast was used exclusively for educational, noncommercial purposes as part of the school activity.
Media sponsor: Voice of Greece – ERT