In the village of Pyla/Pile, the ancient glow of shadow theatre recently illuminated a path toward friendship and shared understanding. Students from Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot schools came together for a unique bicommunal creative workshop, crafting and performing with puppets to explore a common cultural heritage.
The initiative highlighted how art serves as a universal language. Anthi Pafiou, one of the artists facilitating the workshop, observed, "The children proved that creation carries the joy of togetherness, even when there is no common language. Creativity and children have always been, and will continue to be, a hope for a better tomorrow." Through cooperation and creative expression, the students demonstrated that play can build bridges where dialogue sometimes struggles.
The workshop resonated deeply because it drew upon a shared tradition. Actor Izel Seylani reflected on this powerful legacy, noting that "traditional shadow theatre is a gift to all people on this island, a shared heritage for centuries." He emphasized the unique power of such artistic dialogue, calling it "a vital means of communication and a powerful catalyst, especially for new generations. If this project expands and is sustained, it will make a serious and sustainable contribution to the peace process."
The success of the event was made possible by the strong collaboration between the educational organizations from across the divide. Süleyman Gelener, Education Secretary for the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union KTÖS, underscored its importance, stating, "The most tangible contribution to peace is achieved through genuine contact, when children meet through the shared language of school and play. We consider this bicommunal student meeting to be particularly important and valuable."
This sentiment was echoed by Apostolos Skouroupatis, Vice President of the Greek Cypriot teachers' union POED, who expressed the unions' collective joy. "Through play and cooperation, a powerful message was conveyed: that coexistence and respect are values cultivated from an early age," he said. "Such initiatives build bridges of peace, break down stereotypes, and remind us that our shared future must begin through education."
UNFICYP extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated teachers, school administrations, and the teachers’ unions POED, OELMEK, OLTEK, KTÖS, KTÖES, and DAÜSEN, for their unwavering support and crucial role in making this meaningful encounter possible.
Initiatives like this shadow theatre workshop, supported by the UNFICYP Civil Affairs section as part of its ongoing efforts to foster trust and cooperation across the island, reinforce intercommunal bonds, nurture empathy from a young age, and support the collective path toward a lasting peace in Cyprus. They are a testament to the power of shared culture and direct people-to-people connection.
