Can I do it?





Photos from the program we did with a group of teenagers with disabilities in Public Library of Lemesos, LMU, Cyprus, during the summer of 2024.
"Can I Do It?"
A participatory theatre workshop for children on the theme of self-confidence.
How many times have we felt like we’re not enough? That we’re bound to make a mistake? That we won’t succeed? That failure is just around the corner?
This theatre workshop invites children to look within and discover the strength and abilities they already possess — even if they haven’t realized it yet.
Through theatrical games, improvisation, role-playing, and techniques of Educational Drama, children will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, collaborate in groups, and engage with concepts such as self-esteem, belief in oneself, and embracing mistakes as part of learning.
Our starting point is the moving story "The Chained Elephant" by Jorge Bucay and the sensitive book "Maybe" by Kobi Yamada — two narratives that speak to the self-imposed limits we often carry and the infinite possibilities that unfold when we dare to recognize our own potential.
The Hippo Theatre Group has designed a workshop full of theatrical imagery, symbolism, and experiential exercises that foster imagination, empathy, and — above all — children’s belief in themselves.
Benefits of the Program
Through experiential learning and theatrical play, the child:
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Strengthens their self-confidence and learns to manage the fear of failure.
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Learns to express thoughts and emotions freely.
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Develops empathy and teamwork skills through collaborative activities.
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Recognizes their uniqueness and identifies their personal strengths.
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Builds communication, imagination, and creativity skills.
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Guiding Questions Explored
Throughout the workshop, children are encouraged to reflect on and respond to questions such as:
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What holds me back from trying?
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How do I feel when I make a mistake?
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What does “failure” really mean?
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What can I achieve when I believe in myself?
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What does it mean to keep trying, even when I’m afraid?
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Drama Design: Fotis Dousos, Sissy Ignatidou, Alexandros Raptis, Louiza Nikolaou, Kalliopi Fykari
Facilitators: Sissy Ignatidou, Alexandros Raptis
The program is intended for children aged 5–12, as well as for junior high school groups with kids with disabilities or classes of Special Education Schools.

