The initiative is rooted in the research of the Centre for the Advancement of the European Union (CEDEFOP) and the European organization dedicated to enhancing living and work standards (EFRE).
In the heart of Grevenbroich, a unique theater group named "poco*mania" has been making waves. Founded by Axel Mertens in 2002, the group has been growing and evolving ever since, now consisting of young, vibrant actors who have yet to experience burnout.
The theater pedagogy of poco*mania is rooted in experience, with the actors bringing their own personal experiences into the plays. This approach has led to performances that exceed the level of a "normal" school theater. The group's performances are not about personal burdens or affectations of the young actors, but rather, they aim to give a voice to children and young people affected by school stress.
One of the key features of poco*mania's performances is the interactive element under the motto "Asked!", where the audience is encouraged to engage in discussions. This approach not only makes the performances more engaging but also serves to raise awareness about school stress as a problem.
Recently, the MCG troupe, as poco*mania is also known, was a guest at the state school theater meeting in Düsseldorf. The upcoming performances of poco*mania are set to take place at the Marie-Curie-Gymnasium auditorium, Rhine State Theater studio stage, and "YourStage!" festival. These performances promise to address the issue of school stress, shedding light on a topic that is often overlooked by adults.
According to Julia, a member of the group, school stress is an important issue that adults may not fully consider. By presenting their experiences through theater, the young actors of poco*mania hope to show adults the burden school stress can have on young people.
Although information about Axel Mertens, the founder of poco*mania, is limited in the provided data, it is clear that his vision and approach have created a theater group that is making a significant impact. The performances of poco*mania are not just school theater; they are a platform for young voices, a space for conversation, and a call to action against school stress.
A member of the unique theater group "poco*mania", Julia, emphasizes that school stress is a crucial yet often overlooked issue among young people, which is brilliantly highlighted in the group's education-and-self-development focused performances. The young, vibrant actors of poco*mania, who have yet to experience burnout, use their lifestyle experiences to create thought-provoking plays that engage audiences and contribute to a much-needed conversation about school-related pressures.