The aSombra Company (sombra meaning shadow, but the verb asombrar means to amaze) has developed this project directed at children aged between 6 and 10 years in the Lavapiés area of Madrid and in the municipality of Galapagar.

The general objective of this project is to favour diversity, respect, acceptance and integration of different cultures by promoting the enriching aspects that each can bring to the education process of infants.

Its main aims are:

• Facilitate the self-expression of the child
• Acceptance of themselves and their familial and cultural backgrounds
• Liberate creativity
• Explore the oral and written traditions of different cultures

On one hand, theatre creates the optimal conditions for the child to learn to observe and to be observed, to listen and to talk, to criticise and to be criticised, developing their expression and their acceptance of themselves and of others. On the other hand, theatre is creativity. In it, reality and fantasy become one. The child thinks and imagines at the same time. They are understanding the world around them whilst also constructing marvellous and poetic universes.

Shadow theatre stimulates the imagination and allows them to experiment creatively, helping the child to free themselves from embarrassment, since what is seen is not them, but projection of their body, or even of a ‘doll; made by them.

This project also favours group work: ‘collective creation’ in which they must work together to achieve their goal.