In Munich, at Bellevue di Monaco, a cultural center for refugees, a theater project brings together young refugees to express their collective stories of displacement and struggle through a performance inspired by Homer's 'Odyssey'. The performance begins with the lead character, Reda Talebi, searching for his identity amidst his past experiences, culminating in a poignant scene of confrontation with an embodiment of his deceased mother, portrayed by Fatemeh Hassani. While the piece references classical literature, it primarily serves as a platform for the participants to recount their own narratives of flight, war, waiting, and love.

The project aims to shed light on the individual and shared experiences of refugees, highlighting the emotional and social challenges they endure while navigating new lives in a foreign country. Director Christine Umpfenbach emphasizes the importance of allowing these young voices to be heard, transforming the timeless themes of Homer's epic into a contemporary reflection of hope, resilience, and personal growth. The show will premiere on February 21st at the Fat Cat theater, providing these young actors an opportunity to showcase their creativity and confront their pasts.

By using the stage as a medium for storytelling, this initiative not only fosters artistic expression but also reinforces community bonds among participants and audiences alike. It serves as a reminder of the power of narratives to bridge cultural divides and promote empathy, encouraging audiences to reflect on the universal themes of belonging and the human experience through the lens of those who have faced immense challenges.