Domenico Serino
Chair
About
Founded in Aberdeen in May 2023, Gaudeamus was created to give the Italian community in Scotland a place to meet, socialise and celebrate its culture through theatre. In a short time, the company has become a cultural reference point for Italians in Scotland, and for anyone who wants to discover Italian theatre and culture.
Founded in Aberdeen, May 2023.
A short history
In September 2023 Gaudeamus was officially recognised as a Scottish Charity, becoming the only Scottish charity to stage productions entirely in Italian, made accessible to a Scottish audience through live English subtitles. In January 2025 it joined the Albo Consolare delle Associazioni Culturali Italiane nel Regno Unito, consolidating its institutional role in promoting Italian art and culture.
Our mission
To preserve and pass on the Italian language and Italian culture, especially to new generations of Italo-Scots, offering them a direct link to their roots. We believe in theatre and art as tools for inclusion and cultural dialogue, capable of breaking down linguistic and social barriers and bringing the Italian and Scottish communities together through meaningful, engaging performances.
Gaudeamus is not only theatre, but a vehicle for cultural and artistic outreach. Through our productions and activities we offer an immersive experience of cultural heritage, dwelling on universal themes such as identity, integration and cultural memory.
We promote bilingualism as a tool for personal growth and cultural connection. Through theatre workshops, educational activities and training sessions, Gaudeamus actively helps people of all ages and levels (children and adults, native speakers and beginners) encounter the Italian language as something alive. We believe bilingualism not only strengthens the bond with one's roots, but also opens new opportunities for dialogue, inclusion and intercultural understanding.
What we do
Productions
Theatre productions: works by Italian authors with an original, contemporary touch, alongside premieres staged for the very first time.
Workshops
Workshops open to Italians and beyond, to explore acting, culture and the Italian language.
Events
Readings, talks, conferences and dinners — open to Italians and beyond, to share our culture.
Collaborations
Collaborations: festivals and theatre seasons across Scotland with the support of Italian and local institutions, plus joint projects with artists across the UK and Italy.
The team
Compagnia Artistica Gaudeamus is run by a small board of trustees and volunteers, with a wide community of artists, members and supporters across Scotland.
Eva D'Amico
Artistic Director
Elena Pampana
Treasurer · Trustee
Erika Boetto
Secretary · Trustee
Sacha Fop
Secretary · Trustee
What they say about us
A collection of articles, reviews and conversations about the company, in the words of those who have seen us.
Institutional partners
London One Radio · Italian Scotland · Valvona & Crolla, Edinburgh · Com.It.Es. Scotland & Northern Ireland · Italian Consulate General, Edinburgh · Italian Cultural Institute, Edinburgh.
Join us
We are a charity open to everyone: actors, theatre lovers, students of Italian culture and literature, volunteers and supporters. Theatre and art are home to us. We want to share them with you.