Designed to run for about 24 months, TABUROPA is an international research and theatre project on the topic of taboos that will be conducted in four selected countries: Portugal, Poland, Belgium and Germany. Based on their respective cultural traditions, these four countries each stand for a different set of experiences in dealing with taboos and thus exemplify the diversity of Europe. TABUROPA will stage about 16 extensive activities in the participating countries: In workshops, public rehearsals, performances and lectures, internationally experienced theatre producers, choreographers, actors and dancers will work together and explore across borders the cultural, historical and everyday significance of taboos in ‘foreign’ countries. How the topic is tackled artistically will be based on a trans-national research carried out by the participating artists. Country-specific experiences with taboos will be jointly analysed by them working together across borders and discussed with the public in performances. The aim of TABUROPA is: To encourage people in the participating countries to think about existing taboos, how they operate and the impacts that they have in everyday life. To facilitate the breaking of taboos in a real and aesthetic sense by having artists explore them as well as to promote active participation and an open, stimulating debate. To promote the comprehension and awareness of taboos as a manifestation of European diversity and thereby to stabilise the European integration. To create a platform where European artists with different approaches to their work and styles can meet and work together.In addition, the participating artists will compile their own ‘artists’ diaries’, in which they capture their thoughts and observations. Through these activities TABUROPA will foster comprehension of a real-life European ‘canon of values’, of the foundation for patterns of social action that could promote the emergence of a European public.