The European Theatre Project Escena Erasmus is a program of the University of Valencia, promoted by the Vice-Rectorates of Culture and Society and Internationalization and Multilingualism.
Escena Erasmus is a pioneering project in Europe that promotes European citizenship. It is aimed at both local and international Erasmus students and is based on theatrical training and the production of original performances that constantly offer critical reflection on Europe and our way of being Europeans. It seeks to leverage the potential of the Erasmus+ program to promote high-quality intercultural creation.
Escena Erasmus is a cultural method of excellence that includes professionals from Valencian, Spanish, and European performing arts in its creations, making it a showcase for new theatrical creations.
Escena Erasmus has launched various touring programs in collaboration with the University of Valencia, the Cultural Department of the Valencia Provincial Council, the Valencian Youth Institute (IVAJ), the Valencian Anti-Depopulation Agenda, and the European Commission in Spain.
Additionally, Escena Erasmus has created its own European network of universities, the Erasmus Europe on Scene Network, based at the University of Valencia, which has enabled the project to be replicated in cities such as Italy, Germany, and Poland.
Throughout its history, Escena Erasmus has produced more than 20 shows that have toured across Spain and have been performed at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, at the Royal Theater in Madrid, and in other cities in Italy and Germany. Over 200,000 people have seen their productions. The project has numerous publications and academic research works. More than 300 students have participated, many of whom are now professional actors, actresses, playwrights, or producers.
One of its most established projects, "Las Pequeñas Europas" (The Small Europes), helps disseminate the founding values of the European Union in rural areas. Its goal is not only artistic but also to promote a new European citizenship through culture that directly impacts the rural development of the most depopulated regions.
Escena Erasmus has received numerous awards, including the Valencian Performing Arts Honor Award (IVC-Generalitat Valenciana), the European Charlemagne Youth Prize from the European Parliament, the 9th of October 'Lluís Vives' Distinction from the Generalitat Valenciana, an Honorary Mention 'Spotlight on Heritage in Culture and the Arts' from the European League of Performing Arts PEARLE, the AVETID Award, and the Young Talent Award from the Land of Valencia, among many others.