OPEN HOUSE
Spaces of Possibility
Dr Penny Hay
Bath Spa University
Abstract
Re-imagining Learning | Spaces of Possibility New spaces of possibility are opening up in the light of the war, the pandemic and the ecological emergency. In our partnership work, our creative methodology, with everyone an artist, drives the ambition for artistic excellence. We have a shared purpose to offer an alternative, creative approach to learning and researching experimental sites for pedagogical innovation. We engage artists, researchers and educators in creative and reflective practice that places creativity, compassion and wellbeing at the heart of a future pedagogy - prioritising peace, freedom, agency and imagination.
Keywords
imagination learning arts creativity pedagogy peace compassion
RAW Relief Acting Workshops
Alex Borovenskiy and Alina Zievakova
Abstract
RAW Relief Acting Workshop. Working on transforming different emotions and experiences into game-like exercises, in order to take a small step towards self-help and taking care of ourselves (which is crucial to go on helping others). 3 hours workshops dedicated to your well-being and release at least a part of the burden we all, in our own ways, carry on our shoulders. Based on Augusto Boal`s techniques of the system “Theatre of The Oppressed” Playback theatre methods Les Kurbas philosophy of acting Conducted by acting coaches Alina Zievakova, Natalia Vainilovich, Alex Borovenskiy well-experienced in using drama therapy for treating PTSD
Alex Borovenskiy
Theatre director since 2015 (more than 10 performances staged in independent and state theatres), founder of ProEnglish Theatre of Ukraine, acting coach with about a dozen courses and more that 100 students of different ages
Alina Zievakova
Graduate of Karpenko-Karyi State university for Theatre and Cinema, actress of Film and Theatre (lead actress in "Rhino" by Oleg Sentsov), acting coach, initiator of RAW Relief Acting Workshops
Abstract
RAW Relief Acting Workshop. Working on transforming different emotions and experiences into game-like exercises, in order to take a small step towards self-help and taking care of ourselves (which is crucial to go on helping others). 3 hours workshops dedicated to your well-being and release at least a part of the burden we all, in our own ways, carry on our shoulders. Based on Augusto Boal`s techniques of the system “Theatre of The Oppressed” Playback theatre methods Les Kurbas philosophy of acting Conducted by acting coaches Alina Zievakova, Natalia Vainilovich, Alex Borovenskiy well-experienced in using drama therapy for treating PTSD
Alex Borovenskiy
Theatre director since 2015 (more than 10 performances staged in independent and state theatres), founder of ProEnglish Theatre of Ukraine, acting coach with about a dozen courses and more that 100 students of different ages
Alina Zievakova
Graduate of Karpenko-Karyi State university for Theatre and Cinema, actress of Film and Theatre (lead actress in "Rhino" by Oleg Sentsov), acting coach, initiator of RAW Relief Acting Workshops
Comedy and peacebuilding: new point of departure
Maja Milatovic-Ovadia
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London
Abstract
Drawing from my ten years long practice in creating community theatre projects with young people from Northern Bosnia, I will look at how collaborative theatre projects based on devised comedy can support the complex process of post-war reconciliation. Examining how laughter can bring recognition of the humanity and identity of the ‘other’ while dealing with serious subjects in a way that avoids trivialisation. Suggesting, that the peripheral position of comedy offers a valuable platform from which the issues of broken communication could be addressed, and the authority of a single narrative questioned. Finally, arguing for the happy ending as a significant component of the hopeful politics and a long-lasting peaceful future. This interdisciplinary conversation is situated between the fields of theatre, comedy and peacebuilding.
Keywords
Theatre, peacebuilding, young people, comedy, humour, collaborative theatre-making, devising
Maja Milatović-Ovadia is a theatre director and visiting lecturer working in a range of contexts including community theatre, devised work, classic and contemporary text-based theatre, music theatre and experimental opera. Originally from former Yugoslavia she directed over thirty productions for the principal national theatres of Serbia, Montenegro and Slovenia as well as for various theatre companies in the UK. Further aspects of her work have resulted in developing socially engaged art projects focused on the use of comedy and humour within collaborative theatre practice, to support the process of reconciliation in Northern Bosnia and Hercegovina. From 2009 to 2019 she was an advisor and theatre director for peacebuilding NGO Most Mira. Maja is currently PhD researcher at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Her articles on theatre making were published in several theatre and peacebuilding journals.
Mentapeace: A Therapeutic Action Plan for the Treatment of Victims And Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Grenada Who Experience Mental Illness
Christopher Roger Williams
Founder/Director C.R. Williams Performing Arts Academy
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) is the most pervasive and “the least visible human rights violation in the world.” Violence against women and girls has become epidemic in Grenada, and it has triggered mental health challenges for its victims. This study explored a new therapeutic action plan Mentapeace for treatment of victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Participants performed continuous self-assessments using the Johari Window Model and SWOT analysis for continuous self-evaluation and assessment employing Mixed Method Action Research. The working premise was that through using Mentapeace, victims would be able to cope with mental health challenges arising from gender-based violence. It indicated that this indeed is the case as assessed through application of the Mentapeace process. Participants were more able to take action and a path towards self-actualization and sustainable personal and professional development
Keywords
Gender-based violence, Mental Health, Process Drama, Drama Therapy, Mentapeace, SWOT Analysis, Johari Window
Christopher Roger Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in Education. Mr. Williams graduated with honours; and was the Valedictorian of his class. He earned the Chairman’s Award for The Most Outstanding All-Round Student and the Principal’s Award for Most Outstanding Student in Education. He is multilingual, a Certified Filmmaker, Specialized Drama Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Published Author, Musician, Radio and Television Producer. He is a Certified Gender Advocate who uses Drama as a means of rehabilitation and Therapy. His Drama for Peace programme has directly rehabilitated over 50 persons (victims of abuse, trauma, suicide ideation, depression, OCD, ADHD). Mr. Williams has conducted Judges workshops for Spicemas Cooperation and has been the Chief Judge for several performing arts competitions in Jamaica and Grenada. These competitions include: Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions, Independence Calypso Competitions, National Karaoke Competitions, Royal Grenada Police Force Queen show and Calypso Competition, Television Gospel shows, Poetry Competitions, National Festivals of the Arts, Visual Arts competitions, and Best Village Drama Competitions. Additionally, Mr. Williams has trained several queen show contestants through his special voice and speech and performance coaching programmes. He has written, produced, hosted, and directed: music videos, television commercials, stage plays, several short films, and flash mobs, featured on social media and on traditional media. His well-known shows on Facebook are Road Call Grenada and Meet the Artist. Mr. Williams is a former Adjunct Lecturer at T.A. Marryshow Community College and a former full-time Lecturer at The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Jamaica where he delivered lectures in Theatre Arts and Drama in Education. He embraces the use of technology with a strong focus on eLearning animation design. Mr. Williams holds an MBA-International Business and is currently completing a DBA-Administration and Management with particular emphasis on Human Resource Development through the Arts. He is the Founder of C.R. Williams Performing Arts Academy (CRWPAA), Grenada.
Founder/Director C.R. Williams Performing Arts Academy
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) is the most pervasive and “the least visible human rights violation in the world.” Violence against women and girls has become epidemic in Grenada, and it has triggered mental health challenges for its victims. This study explored a new therapeutic action plan Mentapeace for treatment of victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Participants performed continuous self-assessments using the Johari Window Model and SWOT analysis for continuous self-evaluation and assessment employing Mixed Method Action Research. The working premise was that through using Mentapeace, victims would be able to cope with mental health challenges arising from gender-based violence. It indicated that this indeed is the case as assessed through application of the Mentapeace process. Participants were more able to take action and a path towards self-actualization and sustainable personal and professional development
Keywords
Gender-based violence, Mental Health, Process Drama, Drama Therapy, Mentapeace, SWOT Analysis, Johari Window
Christopher Roger Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in Education. Mr. Williams graduated with honours; and was the Valedictorian of his class. He earned the Chairman’s Award for The Most Outstanding All-Round Student and the Principal’s Award for Most Outstanding Student in Education. He is multilingual, a Certified Filmmaker, Specialized Drama Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Published Author, Musician, Radio and Television Producer. He is a Certified Gender Advocate who uses Drama as a means of rehabilitation and Therapy. His Drama for Peace programme has directly rehabilitated over 50 persons (victims of abuse, trauma, suicide ideation, depression, OCD, ADHD). Mr. Williams has conducted Judges workshops for Spicemas Cooperation and has been the Chief Judge for several performing arts competitions in Jamaica and Grenada. These competitions include: Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions, Independence Calypso Competitions, National Karaoke Competitions, Royal Grenada Police Force Queen show and Calypso Competition, Television Gospel shows, Poetry Competitions, National Festivals of the Arts, Visual Arts competitions, and Best Village Drama Competitions. Additionally, Mr. Williams has trained several queen show contestants through his special voice and speech and performance coaching programmes. He has written, produced, hosted, and directed: music videos, television commercials, stage plays, several short films, and flash mobs, featured on social media and on traditional media. His well-known shows on Facebook are Road Call Grenada and Meet the Artist. Mr. Williams is a former Adjunct Lecturer at T.A. Marryshow Community College and a former full-time Lecturer at The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Jamaica where he delivered lectures in Theatre Arts and Drama in Education. He embraces the use of technology with a strong focus on eLearning animation design. Mr. Williams holds an MBA-International Business and is currently completing a DBA-Administration and Management with particular emphasis on Human Resource Development through the Arts. He is the Founder of C.R. Williams Performing Arts Academy (CRWPAA), Grenada.
the conversation