The SABIR Project Collective

The SABIR Project Collective is an international artistic initiative that fosters intercultural dialogue through theatrical improvisation. Founded in 2016, the collective unites 15 improvisers from 8 Mediterranean countries—Italy, Turkey, Malta, Spain, Algeria, France, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco —creating performances that transcend linguistic barriers and challenge social narratives.

The name "Sabir" comes from the historical Mediterranean lingua franca, a hybrid language used for trade and diplomacy between the 11th and 19th centuries. Much like its namesake, the SABIR Project crafts a universal language of improvisation, enabling understanding beyond words.

Through multilingual performances, the collective explores themes such as identity, diversity, gender perspectives, political issues, and intercultural dialogue. Each performer speaks in their native language, yet audiences grasp the meaning through emotion, movement, and storytelling.

A Mosaic of Voices and Cultures

The Sabir Collective is a diverse ensemble, where some speak Italian, others Turkish, French, Greek, Arabic, Spanish, Maltese or English. Yet, there is no single common language among them. Instead, they communicate through the universal language of improvisation—a space where cultural differences dissolve, and the magic of spontaneous storytelling takes center stage.

The historical lingua franca, or Sabir, was an unofficial trade language in the Mediterranean, primarily based on Venetian and Spanish, with influences from Berber, Turkish, French, Greek, and Arabic. It was widely spoken among merchants, diplomats, and even slaves—demonstrating how language can bridge worlds.

Similarly, the Sabir Collective is composed of artists from different backgrounds who spontaneously craft stories on stage. While they come from distinct cultures, they share a common history and deep-rooted Mediterranean heritage. They believe that diversity is not a division, but a precious legacy to be celebrated.

A Journey Through Time and Borders

Since 2016, the collective has gathered for residencies and performances in various Mediterranean cities:

2017 – Rome, Italy
2018 – Istanbul, Turkey
2019 – Barcelona, Spain
2022 – Tolfa, Italy
2023 – Valletta, Malta
2024 - Mahdia, Tunisia
2025 - Paris, France
2025 - Rome, Italy

"We Are All Sabir" – An Improvised Experience

We Are All Sabir is a free-form, long-form improvised show that typically lasts one hour, though its length remains flexible—as everything is improvised. The preferred setting is a round stage, allowing the audience to become an integral part of the performance.

From the very start, the audience is actively involved. They are asked yes/no questions on political, ethical, and religious topics. These questions shape the performance, guiding the improvisation. The goal is not to provide definitive answers but to provoke thought, spark conversation, and encourage the audience to take a stance—both literally and figuratively.

The performers do not impose judgments on what is right or wrong. Even within the collective, perspectives differ greatly, mirroring the complexity and diversity of Mediterranean society.

The Sabir Project aims to highlight how difficult it is to define right and wrong, how challenging it can be to take a stand, and how every issue has multiple perspectives. Through empathy and improvisation, they present alternative narratives, encouraging the audience to ask new questions and develop a deeper awareness of the world around them.

Sabir under the EFFEA Program

From 2024 to 2025, with the support of the European Festivals Association (EFA) under the European Festival Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), the SABIR Project will host three artistic residencies across Europe in 2024-2025:

Tunis, Tunisia | Mahdia Improvise Festival (October 10-13, 2024)
Paris, France | Wonder Improv Festival (February 28 - March 2, 2025)
Rome, Italy | Tolfama International Festival of Improvised Arts (May 15-18, 2025)

Each residency will be a space for artistic exchange, community engagement, and the development of socially impactful improvisation performances.

Residency Highlights

Each residency will feature:

Theatrical Performances: "We Are All Sabir", a long-form improv show addressing social and political themes, performed in Tunis, Paris, and Rome.
Masterclasses: Workshops led by Sabir Collective members, engaging local improvisation communities.

A Socially Engaged Improvisation Project

The SABIR Project believes that improvisation is more than entertainment: it is a tool for social change. The performances challenge stereotypes, encourage critical thinking, and build bridges between cultures.

Audiences actively participate in shaping performances by responding to yes/no questions on ethical, political, and social issues. The improvisers then craft stories in real-time, reflecting the diverse perspectives in the room.

Partners & Support

Sabir is made possible through the collaboration of four pioneering festivals:

Sabir, thanks to the EFFEA program, will provide a platform for artistic exchange and international collaboration, reinforcing the power of improvisation as a vehicle for dialogue and inclusion.