On May 7th, 2026, Theater Na de Dam will organise a European Conference on using theatre as a tool for non-formal education of European youngsters about the Holocaust. The conference will take place in Brussels and will be free to attend.

We warmly invite educators, artists, policymakers and all stakeholders dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and youth education to participate in this inspiring conference which aims to deepen the understanding of how theatre can serve as an impactful educational medium to engage youth in reflecting on the Holocaust, its lessons and the present challenges of Holocaust education and its importance in today’s complex geopolitical context.

The programme will feature inspiring speeches, compelling performances, interactive workshops and focused discussions on the present instrumentalisation of Holocaust education and the complexities surrounding Holocaust commemoration in today’s challenging geopolitical reality.

Programme

Date: 7 May 2026
Time: 9:15 – 13:00
Location: Résidence Palace, Brussels

Part 1 – Plenary session

8:45 Walk in
9:15 Opening speech
9:30 Presentation on the power of theatre in commemorating WWII and the role of non-formal education on the Holocaust
9:35 Presentation of best social-artistic practices within the Theatre of Remembrance project – featuring a performance by European youngsters
9:50 Compilation of videos featuring European witnesses of the World War II involved in the Theatre of Remembrance project
9:55 Panel discussions with key-speakers addressing:

1. The present instrumentalisation of Holocaust education
2. Commemoration of the Holocaust in today’s challenging geopolitical reality

10:55 Presentation of the impact research results of Theatre of Remembrance
11:05 The end of Part 1

11:05 – 11:35 Break

Part 2 – Interactive session

11:35 Introduction
11:45 Interactive workshops in breakout rooms
12:45 Group reflections
12:55 Closing speech
13:00 The End

In particular, this conference is ideal for:

–Teachers/educators of any curriculum which focuses on WWII and the Holocaust

–Theatre practitioners with an emphasis on historical education/intergenerational exchange

–Policy makers with an interest in WWII and Holocaust education 

However, we welcome anyone with an interest in how theatre can be used as a tool for historical awareness and who wants to reflect on the importance of continuing to educate future generations on WWII and The Holocaust. 

Please RSVP your attendance via this online form by March 31st, 2026. Please note that registration via the form is an expression of interest not final confirmation. We will be in touch to confirm attendance closer to the event.

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of meaningful dialogue and creative engagement.