Description of Workshops

 
 


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“FROM INNER WORLDS”
Autobiographical Writing/Performing Workshops

OVERALL DESCRIPTION
A participatory workshop on the use of personal stories to create performances. Participants will experience physical, vocal, conceptual and emotional exercises to evoke various types of stories and memories, commit them to writing, and then create a theatrical structure for live presentation.

 

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
“Telling your story” can be an act of self-empowerment and validation, whether as an individual or as a member of a group (ethnic, gender, class, sexuality, etc.). This can be a vehicle for people to celebrate and take honest pride in who they are; to acknowledge the struggles they have undertaken on the journey to becoming who they are; and to make intelligent, positive, non-reactionary choices for the future. This process is a form of self-knowledge which is quite simple (personal storytelling), yet has profound potential for transformative, evocative art.

 

THE PERSONAL IS (STILL) POLITICAL
I believe people are inherently good, intelligent, creative, powerful and caring beings. However, much of the time human behavior does not embody these qualities. Something goes wrong which disconnects us from our finest humanity. I don't believe human irrationality is inherent. I think it is a result of something hurtful which happens to us, living in a society which values economic profit over human beings and whose primary motivating force is greed.

If we look deeply enough, it is possible to see how the forces which have shaped us are linked to larger social structures. If we wish to transform the structures and institutions of society from irrational/destructive/oppressive into cooperative/ mutually-appreciative/life-affirming, we must look at how we ourselves have been hurt by society and continue to "wear" the effects of it in rigid, limiting ways. It’s difficult to build a straight and true workbench if your measuring tools are crooked and bent. We are the measuring tools and a new society is our workbench. This is a crucial step in order to have a clearer picture of ourselves, beyond the distorted version offered by our pain.


I am interested in stories which reflect the struggle to maintain/sustain/manifest our humanness, while growing up and living in this wonderfully oppressive society. I find these to be some of the most compelling, inspiring, and delightful experiences. My workshops attempt to provide an opportunity to explore just such stories, and transform them into artistic creations.

 

BASIC WORKSHOP COMPONENTS
There is a clear distinction between “process” and “product”. “Process” consists of the various workshop activities through which participants explore different facets of their lives. This component of the workshop is valuable in and of itself, as people have the opportunity to directly examine issues in an environment which is as “safe” as possible. A space is created for telling our stories the way we actually lived them -- not just the sanitized, polite, mechanical versions.

The “product” is the creation and performance of the final theatrical piece, a significant and powerful experience in its own way. The majority of my workshops is devoted to the process component because I believe this is what leads to the deepest change within and between people. It is the place where people connect the most deeply and humanly with themselves and each other.

 

WORKSHOP “TOOLS”
The technique of “active listening” is a basic and invaluable tool in my workshops. It is simple in concept but very difficult in practice. It consists of providing supportive, nurturing and thoughtful attention to someone as they explore deeply personal and intimate subjects. This is a powerful aid for reaching the heart of the issue. It is not often that one has the experience of truly being listened to -- without interruption, criticism, blame, judgement, reproach, teasing or other disrespect. This is especially true when the subject matter happens to be highly-charged with emotion -- the kinds of stories which make for the most compelling and moving art.
Workshops also incorporate numerous physical/intellectual/vocal/writing activities in interesting combinations, all with the goal of uncovering the stories within. Various categories of identity are explored including class, gender, race/ethnicity, nationality, sexuality. In addition, there are explorations of different emotional extremes - stories of love, of joy, of outrage, of terror, of embarrassment, triumph, loss, etc.
Deep exploration of ones personal world means a willingness to take an unflinching look at experiences of intense emotion - fear, grief, rage, joy, confusion - powerful parts of human experience which people are generally not encouraged or allowed to acknowledge. Having the opportunity to do this safely within the context of a group can be an excellent catalyst for developing creative resources as writers and performers, nurturing the creation of powerful art and empowered artists.

 

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
Workshops can range from 3-4 hour introductory events to extended residencies of several months with 2 or more meetings per week.
A typical workshop meeting consists of: a group “check-in” (greeting); light physical warm-up (stretching, some yoga); improvisational vocal and physical exercises (Kelman games, etc.); physical activities which lead into writing exercises; participants reading their work aloud. Occasionally I will work with an individual in front of the group to explore their story. In addition I talk about some of the previously mentioned ideas of storytelling as a vehicle for personal liberation.

Workshops may or may not include a final performance by participants, depending on overall length of the residency and whether there is sufficient time to create a “show”.


For more information or to schedule a workshop, please contact Dan Kwong.
310-453-4544 voice / DKBB12@AOL.COM email

   

©2003 Dan Kwong