The Transformative Power of Storytelling Theatre in Cape Verde: A Proposal for 2025
O Storytelling Theatre has consistently demonstrated a profound impact on child and community development, proving to be a powerful tool for promoting literacy, social cohesion and cultural preservation. In Cape Verde, a country rich in oral traditions and with a significant youth population, the potential of a project focussed on this ancestral art is immense. The TUI Care Foundation, with its dedication to sustainable development and the well-being of communities, is the ideal partner to drive this initiative forward in 2025, creating a lasting impact on the islands.
Storytelling, by its very nature, transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. In Cape Verde, where Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) coexists with Portuguese, storytelling theatre offers an inclusive space for creative expression and the exchange of experiences. The stories, often rooted in local culture, act as a mirror that reflects Cape Verdean identity, strengthening national pride and valuing intangible heritage. By involving children, young people and adults, the project will foster intergenerational dialogue, passing on the country's values and traditions to future generations.
The project proposed by the TUI Care Foundation in 2025 will include the training of local storytellers, using innovative pedagogical methodologies to improve their storytelling and performance skills. The following will be organised workshops e masterclasses with experienced professionals from both Cape Verde and abroad to share technical knowledge and inspire the participants. The training will include voice techniques, body expression, character building, story adaptation and the use of visual elements such as props and simple sets.
As well as training, the project plans to create a circuit of theatre performances in various locations on the islands. The stories will be adapted for children, addressing themes such as environmental sustainability, gender equality, tolerance and respect for diversity. The performances will be free and open to the public, promoting the participation of the whole community and ensuring that the impact of the project is as broad as possible.
To ensure the project's long-term sustainability, a network of storytellers will be created to facilitate the sharing of resources, the exchange of experiences and ongoing collaboration. The project will also seek partnerships with schools, community centres and libraries, integrating storytelling into the school curriculum and extracurricular activities. In this way, storytelling theatre will be able to play a fundamental role in promoting literacy, developing communication skills and creating a safe and stimulating environment for children and young people in Cape Verde.
The success of this initiative will depend on the active involvement of the communities, the dedication of the storytellers and the constant support of the TUI Care Foundation. Through storytelling theatre, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter and more promising future for Cape Verde, where culture, creativity and the well-being of communities are valued and celebrated. The power of storytelling theatre, combined with the Foundation's commitment, promises transformative results.
The deadline for submitting applications for this project is 30th September 2025.
For more information and to submit your application, please visit: https://www.tuicarefoundation.com/en/take-action/storytelling-theatre-call-for-proposals.
