It was my turn to lead a community Drama workshop this Sunday morning!
Just as much as I shared skills of storytelling, I equally learned from the participants’ narratives-- experiences that are dug up, discussed, questioned and celebrated.
I shared how important the mind is in the practice of Dramatic Arts—from having focus, to “being present,” to listening, reacting, and thinking of subtext. The discussion then spontaneously moved to our perceptions of ourselves, the power we have to change our thoughts, and in the process, navigate through the tougher terrains of conflict, discrimination, anxiety, self-doubt.
I learned about new scams that prey on vulnerabilities of migrant women (that will be for another day, cause the thought makes me angry), but I also learned about the efforts they have taken upon themselves to build community—to listen to each other, and manage the anxieties that have heightened due to the pressures of the pandemic.
Theatre has always been a means for empowerment. To see our stories being enacted in front of us allows us to question the structures we have made ourselves accustomed to. More than that, however, it allows us the chance to change them—first in thought, then in practice.
A special thanks to Lakshmi and Pranisha, our student leaders who inspired these workshops through the @Kids4Kids Action for a Cause project. Because of the discussions today, they asked me, “Where does Racism come from? Is it taught to us as we grow?”
That was a tough discussion. I’ll save that for another day.
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