Performing Wellness VII, Soldier's Heart: Stories of the Aftermath of War is directed by Kate Hawkes, Founder of The Well Arts Institute, who has contributed her greetings and her notes to this website.
This is a text-based writing process that takes from three to four months, and culminates in
public theatre performance. Along the way, guided imagery, art and music support and
facilitate the artists' growth and play. Each individual writes their own way, the
“games” and exercises being offered as tools for the artist.
Part One - Wild Child Writing
From the heart, the gut, with the wild child at the helm. This means learning to trust that we each have a voice and letting that voice speak, employing all the senses, without reference to adult logic, fairness, or hindsight. And gradually beginning to read work out loud to each other. We don't necessarily write about PTSD.
Part Two - Writing with Reference to the Post-War Experience or PTSD
Again a series of exercises for each individual to use as jumping off point, tools for
their own writing. Each writer shares their writing with the group and as an artist is
sharing their story. We learn to listen as artists, to respond as an empathetic audience.
Part Three - The Actors Join Us
Reading out loud the work of the writers - the first time someone apart from the writers read their words. Somehow partnerships are made. Each writer/actor team work together and with the Facilitators input, apply the theatrical medium to the writing. Each team discovers
how to best put that unique voice on stage. Music, props, images begin to
fill out the words. Always, the writer's intention and the words are at the heart of the
piece.
Part Four - In the Theatre
With brief technical rehearsal, experts in their field are able to assist the translation of words and actors onto the stage. There is no set form--some are dialogue, some poetry or monologues--or a blend of a variety of forms. Each writer has a unique story, a unique voice that put all together, create a complete evening of theatre. It becomes a journey for us all.
