The name Paidea has its origin in ancient Greek culture. It refers to the child’s education that included subjects such as ethics, culture, grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, history, and geography.
The Paidéia Cultural Association was created with the decision of making cultural action taking the main role in the changing of the people’s lives and their communities.
Paidéia is a public culture space in the Southern region of São Paulo city. It is run by the Cia. Paidéia de Teatro, whose work is focused on theater for children and youth. During weekends, you can find great variety of events, such as music concerts, dance presentations, round tables, choir group and the Experience Theater Course (Núcleo de Vivência Teatral).
Aglaia Pusch and Amauri Falseti founded the association in 1998, after 17 years of work at the Centro Cultural Monte Azul, also in Southern São Paulo.
In 2006, after having changed locations several times, the Town Hall gave the opportunity for Paidéia to establish at a warehouse in the Santo Amaro neighborhood. The 2000 square meters area was derelict, but the Association changed it, with the help of youth, parents, artists and the civil society. Today, it is an active cultural space, housing diverse art forms. The old Garbage Collectors’ Yard was transformed into Paidéia Cultural Association´s seat.
The company deepens its theatrical research through its daily praxis, always keeping its focus on children and youth. The work of the company is divided in the following initiatives:
– Experience in Theater Courses (Núcleo de Vivência Teatral): these courses involve around 100 young people, promoting their first contact with theater making. They have classes on theatrical practices, dramaturgy, choir singing, lighting and costume design. Furthermore, the work and dedication of these young people is essential to the organization of the space and its events.
– International Festival: with this annual event, the company fosters dialogues with groups from all around the world who are also thinking art for children and youth. The festival became such an important event because of the Association´s belief in the importance of cultural and experience exchange.
– Theater classes for the EMEF Carlos de Andrade Rizzini public school: it would not be possible to make theater for children without understanding their nature, worldview, fears and dreams. Paidéia has been working together with the EMEF Rizzini since the first day it occupied the Culture Collectors’ Yard: theater classes that grow into presentations by the children and that are now integral part of the school´s program.
To know more about Paideia’s international exchanges and participation in festivals, click here.