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Beth
Davies (participant)
Two thoughts rise in my mind when faced with
concept of Raw theatre. I have always been keenly interested in
participatory theatre and the power and empowerment it offers to
those who engage in the form. When I first learnt about the work
of Dorothy Heathcote, Cecily O'Neil and amazing Augusto Boal I felt
a deep resonance with their work. Something inside me said that
this is real this is what I've been looking for. I found something
in that seemed to be what drama / theatre / Acting / Creativity
is all about. This for me is where the rubber hits the road in it
all.
In Raw Theatre I can see a greater possibility for the mutual empowerment
of individuals by allowing them to have a space where their stories
are privileged. In sharing, listening, and receiving each others
stories, something beautiful happens - we encounter each others
humanity and inherent dignity. I think that it is an awesome, sacred,
and precious to witness the stories and humanity of others.
The second thing I am reminded of is the coming trade negotiation
with the US and the potential that has to cripple the ability of
the Arts industry to tell and explore Australian stories. Australia
is already very story poor. Australians are crying out for Australian
stories. This work has an enormous potential, at least on an individual
level, to remedy and fill that need and possibly more effectively
than books or movies etc. because these moments happen between us
in the moment as they do in life. We each have the opportunity to
share something of ourselves and we learn to receive the experiences
of others.
Jan
Ungerer (participant)
“Raw Theatre for
me is like entering into a playground full of wonder and imagination
where I can choose to affect change just by offering and sharing
a personal story with the collective, or by affecting change in
my state of being, simply by observing a story played out that reasonates
with my own personal lived experience. It is through the enactment
of dialogue that I get the chance to share the parts of myself that
I know quite well and the parts that are almost
a stranger to me". |
Louise
Ralph (participant)
Raw
theatre is an amazing experience. Martin takes us in small steps
– from fear and uncertainty to freedom and surprise.
After my first Raw Theatre session I felt a little shell-shocked.
Was I really so self-protective, reluctant to share, lacking in
confidence? Where had I been all my life?
I felt disappointed in myself – but curious about that elusive
‘authentic self’.
In my second session I was ready – I knew I wasn’t going
to let go very easily so I was more accepting (my outgoing, confident
friend experienced a similar surprise at how ‘closed’
she was in her first session).
Martin creates a very non judgmental, relaxed and supportive environment,
so it is more about discovering hidden parts of ourselves than being
nervous of the process.
The transitional step for me was to become absorbed in someone else’s
story – to find myself picturing her brother and their relationship,
and later taking on his character as part of her story. It felt
a little like slipping into the brother’s skin and I suppose
I was drawing on parallels between our experiences with brothers.
I lost my sense of an ‘audience’, most of the time.
I also became aware of my instant desire to make light of the situation
as soon as I realized there was an audience – a kind of bravado
to hide my insecurities. However, I found that the process helped
me acknowledge these things in myself without judging them in terms
of right or wrong. They just were there and it was interesting to
be aware of them.
Telling
my own story was a step I never really believed I would take –
obviously I was caught up in the experience and felt safe enough
to expose my vulnerabilities. The process (which is like psycho-drama)
was cathartic.
Since telling my story about my relationship with my sister (both
through actors and playing myself etc) I have really moved on with
the situation. It seemed to dissolve any resentment I felt, and
gave me a sense of closure (but not of ‘finality’).
At times a part of me thought I should be play it down and not reveal
my true feelings, but because I got so totally involved I didn’t
need to ‘hide’.
Martin creates an environment of acceptance, where in spite of our
differences there is a sense of community and a connection. Raw
Theatre is a totally energizing experience. I was floating for days…
and looking forward to more!
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