WE AREurope
Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are delighted to partner with Théâtre & Réconciliation, Brussels, Belgium to deliver the Women Empowering, Allying, and Reinventing Europe on Stage project (WE AREurope), funded by Erasmus+.
Nowadays, half of all migrants are women, but their integration into host societies often remains difficult, as they are often exposed to double discrimination – as migrants and as women. Yet migrant women are playing an increasingly important socio-economic role in the European Union (EU). According to EU research, most Member States’ national integration policies do not give priority to migrant women, although many countries have recognized the need for more gender-sensitive policies and wish to focus on good practices to help migrant women integrate into society. According to Eurostat, in 2021 there will be over 5% of non-European citizens living in the EU. The EU Integration and Inclusion Plan 2021-2027 focuses on inclusion for all, on strengthening the participation of migrants, and on gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of women.
This project brings together migrant women and European citizens in theatre workshops. The aim is to question their identities and their relationship to European values, and to come up with recommendations and modes of action for these groups to facilitate their inclusion in European societies. Our project promotes the idea of learning opportunities for all citizens and generations through creativity, the arts and culture, in order to foster the inclusion and integration of refugees and migrants, the diversity of identities and adherence to European values.
The WE AREurope project also meets several complementary objectives:
1 – mutual learning between partners by sharing best practices and strengths to enrich the project and increase skills;
2 – the development of innovative support techniques for diversified groups of women, with the aim of strengthening the integration of migrants, reinforcing adherence to European values, and promoting social cohesion; 3 – the promotion of alternative forms of participation, by bringing together women who would not otherwise meet, giving them a voice, and enabling both individual and community empowerment;
4 – building and making available tools and resources that facilitate the empowerment of diverse social groups using artistic and social cohesion techniques.
This project responds to a need identified by the EU to strengthen the participation of migrants by integrating the gender dimension. In addition, this project seeks to highlight European values as a starting point for inclusion and social cohesion on a European scale, by valuing the multiple identities of both European citizens and third-country nationals.
This project also responds to a need identified by the two theatre companies to strengthen social cohesion, particularly in contexts where women, especially migrant women, can be excluded from wider social dynamics. Through artistic practices such as theatre, the project encourages encounters between women from different backgrounds and experiences. By enabling these exchanges, it creates an environment conducive to building relationships of trust and mutual understanding, thereby strengthening the social fabric within local communities.
Théâtre et Réconciliation and Smashing Times are committed to opening up a space of expression for women, particularly those from marginalized groups such as migrant women. Their artistic practices allow their stories to take centre stage, authentically and creatively. By highlighting the participants’ experiences, the project shares their voice and contributes to their recognition in society, while helping to change perceptions and combat stereotypes.
The WE AREurope project also meets a need for women’s empowerment by offering them a space where they can develop their self-confidence, self-expression and public speaking skills. By taking an active part in this creative process, participants strengthen their self-esteem and acquire the tools to assert themselves and become more involved in civic and social life. This responds to a need identified by the organizations to give migrant women the means to feel more autonomous and visible in society. The successes observed by both organizations through past artistic practices show that this type of project generates positive effects on both the individual and the community.
The project is funded by Erasmus+ and the partners are Théâtre et Réconciliation, Brussels, Belgium; and Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, Dublin, Ireland.
WE AREurope Events 2026
Experimentation in Brussels, 23-27 March 2026
From 23 – 27 March, Ciara Hayes and Aoife Kavanagh represented Smashing Times at the Experimentation event in Brussels for the WE AREurope project. They attended and took part in five days of theatre-based workshops culminating in a public performance. The workshops were based on the methodology of Frederique Lecomte, Artistic Director of Theatre et Reconciliation, and were attended by a group of 20 women made up of European citizens and migrants. The workshops explored the concept of a European identity, taking into consideration the lived experiences of the participants. The Experimentation was an opportunity for Ciara and Aoife as young facilitators to learn from Frederique as she explained her process of working with diverse groups.
Experimentation in Ireland, 25-29 May 2026
Enjoy a three-day Creative Arts Workshop to meet with other women; to explore themes of nature, belonging and a shared European identity and to take part in an open ‘Poetry Day’ at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland. The workshop runs on Tuesday 26 May, 9.30-12.30, Wednesday 27 May 11-2pm and Thursday 28 May 11-2pm (3 hours per day), with the third day presented as an Open Poetry Session and Artist talk titled Belonging and open to the public.
Guided by methods and artworks on display from Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, Dublin, Ireland and Théâtre & Réconciliation, Brussels, Belgium, participants share reflections on identity, migration and belonging, engage in poetical expression in celebration of Poetry Day Ireland, and create a space for shared experiences and diverse voices to connect. On days one and two, the workshop involves drama games and exercises, discussion and chat. Wear practical clothing for active participation. No experience necessary. On the third and final day, we present Belonging, an open session of poetry readings and artist talk by Mary Moynihan, for the Poetry Day Ireland celebrations. Workshop participants attend the open poetry event and can become involved as a ‘Welcome Guide’ inviting people into the space or can read a poem (to be confirmed as part of the workshop process) or simply attend and enjoy the celebrations. More info here
Smashing Times are delighted to present Belonging, an open poetry session and artist talk taking place on Thursday 28 May, 12am-2pm, at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, as part of the Poetry Day Ireland celebrations. Belonging features poetry readings by writer and poet Mary Moynihan and invited guest artists, on themes of home, nature and belonging, and a curated artist talk by Mary Moynihan on the poems that inspired the artworks in her powerful multidisciplinary exhibition From the Forest to the Ocean, currently on display at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery. Bringing together photography, poetry, and film, this multidisciplinary exhibition draws inspiration from the physical landscapes of nature and the deep interconnectedness of life — from forests to the ocean. More info here
Project Roundtable and Final Experimentation, 12-13 October 2026
Representatives from Theatre et Reconciliation will travel to Dublin October 2026 to take part in the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival. They will present the results of the project at a roundtable discussion, exploring methodologies and recommendations from both partners. Frederique Lecomte will also facilitate a one-day workshop using her methodology with Ireland-based women, followed by a public performance showcasing the work.
Project Artists and Creatives
Frédérique Lecomte is founder, CEO and artistic director of Théâtre et Réconciliation located in Brussels, Belgium. Frédérique is an award-winning internationally recognised artist and creator who has developed her own theatrical techniques for over 40 years. She has worked with vulnerable populations both in conflict zones (the Great Lakes region of Africa) and in Belgium. Her Théâtre et Réconciliation method, named after the theatre company she founded, brings together creative and methodological tools for developing theatrical productions quickly, enabling her to achieve results in a short space of time, thanks in particular to her unique technique of live staging. For her work, she received the 2018 Woman of Peace Award in Belgium. Frédérique Lecomte has given numerous training courses, masterclasses and lectures at universities across Europe and around the world.
Florence Marchand is an actress and a stage director trained at Cours Florent-Bruxelles. She has been working with Théâtre & Réconciliation theatre company for several years, acting, directing and mediating with vulnerable audiences. Since 2024, she has been running theatre workshops at the Bertrix psychiatric hospital.
Camille Léonard is an actress and director, a graduate of the IAD school. She is involved in several Belgian companies/collectives, including Infini Théâtre, La compagnie Arts Nomades, ASBL Ravie and Théâtre & Réconciliation, with whom she has been collaborating for many years.
Mary Moynihan is a writer, poet and creator of art and photography. Mary is Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Artistic Curator for the annual international Iris Arts and Human Rights festival. As Artistic Director of Smashing Times, Mary specialises in using the arts to promote human rights, peace building, gender equality and positive mental health and well-being, developing cutting edge, arts-based projects with a range of organisations. Award winning projects include Acting for the Future which uses theatre and film to promote positive mental health and well-being, run in partnership with the Samaritans and the highly successful Women War and Peace using theatre, film and visual arts practice to promote equality and peace. Company patrons of Smashing Times are Sabina Coyne Higgins; former Senator Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House; Ger Ryan, actor and Tim Pat Coogan, writer and historian.
Freda Manweiler has worked with Smashing Times since 1999. She is highly skilled in project management, coordination and implementation. She has extensive experience working at a European level developing and delivering a range of European Initiatives, collaborating with over 50 cultural, educational and civil society organisations from over 22 European Countries. She has extensive experience working on European activities and projects that promote human rights, gender equality, positive mental health, remembrance and civic engagement.
Ciara Hayes is a graduate of University College Cork with an MA in Arts Management and Creative Producing. She also holds a teaching diploma from the London College of Music in Drama and Communication, and a BA Joint Hons in Drama and Theatre Studies with German. She has a background in theatre and worked for several years as a drama teacher, later becoming a teacher of social skills for children on the autism spectrum. Ciara works at Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality as a producer and coordinator and as the festival producer for the international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival, produced by Smashing Times, Front Line Defenders and a range of partners. Ciara is based in Cork City, and also works at UCC as a part-time lecturer on the MA Arts Management & Cultural Producing.
