In August, Barranquilla witnessed a magical performance by the youth theatre collective Prosopon, an initiative developed as part of the Música Para La Paz (Music for Peace in English) project. Kevin Stadden, Children Change Colombia psychosocial professional of the project, led the play Prosopon showcased at the International Meeting of Percussionists of the Atlantic (EIPA). This is an artistic and academic event organized by Universidad Reformada, which gives an academic, social and cultural space for the interchange of dialogue and artistic experiences. In 2025, the focus was on the topic of gender violence and raising the visibility of women in percussion.
Kevin and the young Colombians that make up Prosopon spent months developing and rehearsing for the event, as they worked on combining the original text of the play “Asudiansam the Scholar of Rabanadas and the Temptation of Aura who was a Spider” with elements of experimental theatre. The word ‘Prosopon’ itself comes from the Greek for ‘face’ or ‘mask’, relating to the way that actors presented themselves to the audience and the community in ancient theatre, both concealing and emphasising their identity.
Following this metaphor, the group has become a space where young community leaders can explore their voices, their bodies, and their stories. The group prepared for the event at public school, where the young actors built characters, scenes and musical scores, combining modern theatrical techniques with team-building and relationship-strengthening. Kevin directed and guided the group both psychologically and artistically, infusing the process with deep symbolism, sensitivity and truth, aiming to explore ways to resist and transform gender violence through art.
Children from our project in Barrranquilla performing at the EIPA Theatre Exchange
This was the collective’s official debut, and they were received with a standing ovation, and some audience members were even reduced to tears. Various professionals present at the performance expressed interest in inviting the group to new spaces, making the experience a possible starting point for more shows, giving further opportunities to the children that are raising their voice through the art of theatre.
The young leaders that performed had an overwhelmingly positive experience, and they couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for Prosopon:
Aura, the protagonist: “It was incredible, I was never afraid, and I want to keep acting—thank you so much.”
One of the masked Temptations: (to Kevin) “Thank you, maestro. Today I call you maestro sincerely. Thank you for letting me join the group without even knowing me.”
The young musical director of the play: “We need to start working on the next play NOW!”
From members of the audience:
A theatre enthusiast in the audience: “Guys, what you presented was incredible. It’s your debut, which makes it even more impressive. I’ve seen the great theatres of Barranquilla, and you are on their level.”
A dance professor from Universidad Reformada: “What I saw were truly present bodies.”
Written by: Arthur Mawer – CCC Projects Intern
