At Gimnazija Celje – Center, Zavod Vozim carried out a youth workshop using a dramatization-based youth work method. Students were first presented with a collection of real-life personal stories related to risky behavior in traffic and its consequences, gathered through the Erasmus+ project Safer Behind the Wheel. Each participant selected the story that resonated with them most deeply – the one in which they recognized something meaningful they wanted to express.
Following an introductory discussion about how theatre can be used to highlight social issues, a powerful process of immersion and internalization began. The students stepped into the shoes of real individuals who had lived through the experiences, bringing them to life using approaches from Theatre of the Oppressed and Verbatim Theatre. Rather than simply retelling events, they felt the stories – and conveyed them with such emotional depth that many in the audience were left with goosebumps.
This method allowed students to explore the social and emotional dimensions of risky decision-making – driving under the influence, impulsive behavior, peer pressure – while learning empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility.
A particularly meaningful aspect of this approach is that it enables the presentation of deeply personal stories from people who are unable or unwilling to share them themselves. The students gave voice and shape to these stories without compromising anyone’s privacy. In doing so, the stories were brought to life in a new way, offering the audience a powerful experience that sparks reflection and dialogue.
By combining storytelling, performance, and reflection, we empowered young people to become more conscious, responsible, and engaged participants in traffic. And the impact of this approach goes far beyond the stage – it changes perspectives and builds bridges of understanding among peers.
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