Migration, identity, and belonging are among the most polarizing issues in contemporary politics. They intersect with the 2030 Agenda (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals/SDGs), challenging societies worldwide to rethink diversity, power structures, and human dignity. These were the topics of the English-taught seminar “Global Citizenship: Migration, Identity and Belonging,” led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Zoe Lefkofridi (Professor of Politics & Gender, Diversity & Equality at the Department of Political Science) in collaboration with the Global Citizenship Alliance (GCA), the Salzburg Global Seminar, and the Theater der Unterdrückten Wien (Theatre of the Oppressed Vienna – TdU Wien).

A Transatlantic Learning Journey Across Borders

This intensive, international seminar brought together students from the University of Salzburg and a partner cohort from Molloy University (New York, USA). Together, the students embarked on a profound learning journey that linked theoretical modules with moving practical experiences. In addition to academic lectures, the itinerary included a joint, reflective visit to the Dachau Memorial to examine historical continuities of exclusion and the vital importance of human rights.

Without requiring any prior acting experience, the students utilized Forum Theatre methods to co-create their own artistic performance.

“An Evening of Forum Theatre” in the Grand Hall of Schloss Leopoldskron

The highlight of the seminar was the public performance “MIGRATION, IDENTITY, BELONGING,” which took place on Thursday evening, May 28, 2026, in the stunning Grand Hall of  Schloss Leopoldskron. True to the principles of Forum Theatre, the audience did not remain passive spectators; instead, attendees were actively invited to step onto the stage.. Every voice in the room became an integral part of the performance.

For the ATHENA Center for Intersectional Research, this project demonstrated how intersectional research and teaching can be translated into practice through artistic and participatory methods (such as Legislative and Forum Theatre) to bring hidden discriminations and social exclusions to light.

Future Outlook

The engagement of the and the discussions during the interactive performance underscored the immense demand for innovative, dialogue-driven spaces to address urgent societal questions. Following this success and the positive dynamic generated between the participating institutions, plans are already being considered to repeat and sustain this transatlantically collaborative teaching format in the future.

The University of Salzburg and the ATHENA Center extend their warmest thanks to all partners – GCA, Salzburg Global Seminar, Molloy University, and TdU Wien – as well as the dedicated students for this pathbreaking project.

Photocredit: David Appel