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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
