visualised and directed by Stephanos Droussiotis

The most effective way to be heard by a child is to tell them a story, especially when that story has been thoughtfully written and scientifically developed to offer psychotherapeutic benefits.

While the art and various techniques of theatre have long been incorporated into a number of psychotherapeutic approaches, the clinical tools of child psychology have rarely been applied within theatrical practice.

In this original production, music, theatre, and therapeutic storytelling come together in a performance addressed to children, parents, and the “inner child” within each and every one of us.

The idea behind The Keys, initially conceived by Greek actress Nadia Kontogeorgi, draws inspiration from the collection of stories in the widely acclaimed and extensively translated book Therapeutic Stories that Teach and Heal by the distinguished American psychologist Nancy Davis, Ph.D. According to the author’s methodology, these stories are designed to engage the emotional and intuitive part of the brain and operate on a subconscious level, without explicit explanations or interpretative guidance.

Dramaturgically and scientifically adapted by child psychiatrist Valia Karagiorga, M.D., the stories employ themes, symbols, and metaphors such as the defeated giant, the flower that would not bloom, and the puppet that grew angry, to help audiences perceive life’s stimuli in new ways, free from the constraints of past experiences. In this way, each story resonates uniquely and deeply with every individual viewer. As the actress embodies all the characters within the stories, acclaimed cellist Alexandros Botinis accompanies the performance live on stage with selections from the classical repertoire. In The Keys, the therapeutic power of classical music, along with its impact on the brain’s neuroplasticity, contributes to the musical education and aesthetic enrichment of young audiences.

• The work was presented at the central stage of Neos Kosmos Theatre in 2023 - 2024