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.
As part of the project, a podcast is being developed which features interviews with the women involved in the project. Listen to episode one now.
Get Involved
Join us for a ‘One Night Stand’! This is an inspiring afternoon and evening of theatre, creativity, and dialogue with internationally acclaimed theatre-maker Frédérique Lecomte, founder and Artistic Director of Théâtre & Réconciliation. Presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality as part of the 2026 Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, this unique event offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with one of Europe’s leading socially engaged theatre practitioners.
The event begins with a practical theatre workshop on 12 October, 3–6pmthat Frédérique Lecomte joyfully refers to as a ‘one night stand’ where theatre is made in a short space of time and where participants explore movement, improvisation, collaborative performance-making, and socially engaged artistic methodologies in a supportive and accessible environment. Themes explored include the concept of a shared European identity and European values of human dignity, equality, gender equality, human rights, diversity, democracy and peace. The workshop culminates in a live improvised public performance (7.30–9.30pm), presented by the participants themselves and open to all audiences. The workshop is open to theatre and art students and practitioners, youth and community groups, members of civil society organisations and individual members of the public who are interested in discovering more about the work. Active participation is required. Please wear practical clothing for participation in games and exercises.
This is a rare opportunity to work closely with an internationally recognised artist while exploring themes of European identity and shared values, including human dignity, equality, gender equality, human rights, diversity, democracy, and peace.
The improvised public performance is followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Frédérique Lecomte and Mary Moynihan of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. Together, they will discuss the We Are Europe project, Frédérique Lecomte’s award-winning artistic practice, and the role of the arts in fostering inclusion, reconciliation, and social change across Europe.