We found LeCAKE Ceremony to be highly effective in engaging groups in meaningful discussions about ecology. Its participatory, theatrical nature and the symbolic rituals at its core sparked curiosity and reflection while providing a welcoming space for the collective exploration of environmental themes.
At Wissenschaftspark in Gelsenkirchen, our team of artists facilitated LeCAKE Ceremony throughout the day, interacting with a diverse audience. Participants included school groups, afternoon visitors attending the LeCAKE event, and people working at Wissenschaftspark who joined spontaneously. The social and performative structure of LeCake Ceremony encouraged everyone to take an active role, whether through guided improvisations, group storytelling, or symbolic gestures that represented ecological values.
The interactive format of the ceremony naturally led to insightful questions and lively conversations. Adult participants were eager to share their own experiences and ideas about sustainability, which enriched the collective dialogue. This highlighted the importance of artist-facilitators, who guided the group, provided context about the origins and intentions of LeCake Ceremony, and connected the activity to the broader ecological themes explored in the LeCAKE Project.
To further enhance engagement, we introduced new elements such as collaborative challenges, where groups worked together to create short performances or tableaux representing environmental issues and possible solutions.
By blending social theatre, participatory rituals, and group creativity, LeCAKE Ceremony has proven to be a dynamic platform for ecological awareness and community building, inviting every participant to become both a storyteller and a changemaker in the journey toward sustainability.
