Children who are refugees and live in Hafnarfjörður are learning drama at Borgarleikhúsið

The collaboration is based on the project Létti, which the City Theatre Acting School launched in 2020 for applicants for international protection in Reykjavík. The project was then expanded two years ago, when the Acting School began cooperating with the reception department of Seljaskóli, and further in 2025 when the reception department of Breiðagerðisskóli joined.

With the cooperation agreement between Barnaheill and Borgarleikhúsið, children in Hafnarfjörður now have the opportunity to take part in the project, and Hildur Ýr Jónsdóttir, project manager for multicultural affairs at Hafnarfjarðarbær, serves as the liaison with the reception departments.

The drama teaching offers a safe and creative space where the children can express themselves, connect with others in a similar situation, and develop their social skills. Drama encourages cooperation and communication, which are important elements in adapting to a new society. The children learn to work in groups, listen to others, and express their own views.

A trauma‑informed approach is used to meet the needs of the children, many of whom have experienced war, separation from family, and the difficult circumstances faced by people who have had to flee. Some have been displaced their entire lives, and their schooling is in many cases very fragmented or even non‑existent. The aim is to create an environment where the children can work through these emotions and have the opportunity to express themselves safely and creatively through drama.

Barnaheill and the City Theatre Acting School are pleased to now be able to offer children in the reception schools of Hafnarfjörður the chance to take part in the drama project Létti. Hafnarfjarðarbær proudly supports this part of the project.