Meet Mr. Panagiotis Kalkounis, a talented actor and active member of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece, who recently shared his unique perspective and lived experience with the THEAVIOS Erasmus+ team.

As a visually impaired performer, Mr. Kalkounis offered deeply insightful feedback on the realities, challenges, and strengths of working in the theater as a blind actor. His contribution not only inspired us, but also provided valuable guidance for shaping our training modules aimed at equipping theater professionals with the tools to collaborate more effectively with colleagues who are visually impaired.

In our discussion, he shared:

How communication and trust between actors and crew can overcome technical and spatial limitations

The importance of creating a safe, adaptive, and respectful rehearsal environment

The fact that visual impairment is not a weakness, but rather an invitation to reimagine the stage as a space of equal creative power

His stories and insights highlighted how inclusion in the arts is not about compromise—but about transformation, empathy, and shared growth.

Based in Brussels since 2007, Gaël Santisteva was born in 1977 in Auch (France). Throughout his youth he had an intensive circus practice until he became a student at the National Center for Circus Arts in Chalons en Champagne, from which he graduated with the Russian swing specialty in 2001.  

As a performer, Gaël has been working with Philippe Decouflé, Jean-Marc Heim, les Ballets C de la B -Koen Augustijnen, Cie Zimmermann/De Perrot, Eleanor Bauer. He co-created with Lara Barsacq two performances presented at Tanzhaus Zurich: Tonight, I love you! (2012) and The Hide Show (2014). In 2016, Gaël Santisteva co-founded asbl Gilbert & Stock with Lara Barsacq.

In 2017, he created TALK SHOW before touring in France and Belgium. Parallel to that, he collaborates on other projects as a performer, artistic advisor or assistant for:  Walking the Line  by Benjamin Vandewalle,  Noir M1 and Les Flyings by Mélissa Von Vépy, New Joy  and Meyoucycle by Eleanor Bauer,  Lost in Ballets Russes , IDA don’t cry me love  and Fruit Tree by Lara Barsacq.

Gaël’s latest project – Garcimore is dead – premiered on November 18th, 2021 at Le Manège de Reims – scène nationale.

In January 2022, Gaël Santisteva directed REAL // UGLY // SPARKLING, a collective show of 3rd year students from ESAC (Ecole Supérieur des Arts du Cirque, Brussels). In December 2022, he also directed Cabaret COSMOS for Ateliers Indigo, a Brussels association that supports artists with disabilities.

In July 2023, Gaël created Voie, Voix, Vois together with Saaber Bachir and Antoine Leroy, as part of Garden Party, as part of Festival OFF d’Avignon (Théâtre des Doms, Avignon).

In 2024-2025, Gaël Santisteva will create Pinata Cake (4-8 March 2025, Atelier 210).

We’re thrilled to share an inspiring interview with Greg Shane, co-founder of ArtsUP! LA, who sat down with Theavios Team to talk about the transformative power of the arts! 

ArtsUP! LA is changing lives by connecting people with disabilities, military veterans, and LA-based youth to the world of performing arts. Their stage is a place where every voice is heard, and every story is celebrated. 

In this interview, Greg opens up about the incredible journey of ArtsUP! LA and how they’re breaking barriers and building bridges in the arts community.

Watch the interview now and discover how ArtsUP! LA is making a difference in LA and beyond! Let’s celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and the limitless possibilities of the human spirit. 

We’re thrilled to share an inspiring interview with Danae Theodoridou  a performance maker and researcher based in Brussels.

She completed her practice-led PhD in Roehampton University in London (2013). Her work focuses on social imaginaries, the practice of democracy and the way that art contributes to the emergence of socio-political alternatives.

She teaches in the MA Performing Public Space in Fontys Academy of the Arts (NL), curates practice-led research projects, and presents and publishes her work internationally. She is the co-author of The Practice of Dramaturgy: Working on Actions in Performance (Valiz, 2017) and the author of PUBLICING: Practising Democracy Through Performance (Nissos, 2022).

Alexis Georgoulis was born in the Greek town Larissa. In 1993, he started studying at the National Technical University of Athens to become a Civil Engineer. In 1997, after graduating from the prestigious Jasmine Drama School, Alexis would go on to star in several stage productions. During this time, he teamed up with the dance group “Heresis” in the performance “Carmen 33” (1997) and “The Return” (1998).

Looking toward a career in front of the camera, Alexis took part in the TV series “Alice in Wonderland” (1997 ET channel), and “Death Agony” (1998 ET channel), and also in the short cut film “No One’s Rose”. In 2001, he co-starred in the sitcom “You Are My Mate”, which became a huge success and made him one of Greece’s most sought after leading men. Alexis would go on to appear in the Greek TV series “Oneiro Itan” (2003), “Erastis Ditikon Proastion” (2004) and “Oi Istories Tou Astynomou Beka” (2007).

In 2002, Alexis would star in back to back feature films, the comedy “The Bubble” and the crime drama “Too Late Tomorrow”. Following the success of these films, Alexis starred in “Oxygono” (2003), which won the Fipresci Prize at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. Taking advantage of his big screen success, Alexis went on to direct the play “Good Luck” written by the rewarded Greek writer Bill Katsikonouris for the Progressive Stage of the National Theatre. The following year at the Kivotos Theatre (2004), he directed the black comedy “The Shape of Things”, written by Neil Labute.

In 2005, Alexis returned to feature films playing the lead role of Dimitris Georgiou in “Liubi”. In 2009, Alexis was given the opportunity to bring his talents overseas, playing the lead role in Fox Searchlight’s “My Life in Ruins” also starring Nia Vardalos and Richard Dreyfuss. The film, produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, extended Alexis appeal and has since made him an international star extending far beyond Europe. Alexis can next be seen in “A Green Story” starring opposite Shannon Elizabeth.

The BLINDS AND VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION, established in 2021 from a voluntary platform initiated in 2015, is dedicated to the advancement and inclusion of individuals with visual impairments and disabilities. Committed to the elimination of barriers and the promotion of equal opportunities, the association undertakes various initiatives to foster the holistic development of visually impaired individuals in economic, social, cultural, educational, and recreational spheres.

Through its activities, the association aims to create a more accessible and inclusive society while raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with visual impairments, thus promoting empathy and understanding within the community.

Dr. Fatma Akfirat, a distinguished expert in special education and psychology at Yeditepe University and a powerful advocate for inclusion in the arts.

As part of the THEAVIOS Erasmus+ project, Dr. Akfirat offered her expertise on the psychological and emotional dimensions of creative inclusion—highlighting how artistic spaces can and should serve as platforms for expression, healing, and empowerment, especially for individuals with disabilities. In our conversation, Dr. Akfirat emphasized:

The therapeutic and developmental value of engaging with theater for both performers and audiences with disabilities

How inclusive environments in the arts can support mental health, self-esteem, and social integration

The need for ongoing training and awareness among theater professionals to build empathetic, inclusive, and collaborative creative teams