Em-BODY-ing a New World

From adventure-based learning to Jungian psychology, educators, therapists, activists and artists are all converging on one inescapable fact. There's nothing quite like DOING it.

Pioneering activist and founder of Theatre of the Oppressed, Augusto Boal observed that since the time of the Aristotle, Western societies have been largely content to participate in society (and art) as spectators. Perhaps we've also been so bold as to offer ideas or theorize on larger issues. In the end we might even applaud.

Boal asserts that a whole new kind art is required to en-ACT revolutionary change. The spectator must become a spect-ACTOR -- one who is emotionally and physically engaged in the drama, in the processes of change. It's no surprise then that many of Boal's forms begin with fun, non-intellectual games that stimulate the full creative body to contribute to a group's transforming work.

Too long considered a second-class citizen subservient to the "mind" and its cognitive skills, the body has much to contribute in our own liberating and healing processes.

Recently, after spending two hours learning and using the "neutral stance" in Playback Theatre, one participant was amazed to find how her memory and verbal articulation was sharpened over the next days. While perhaps dramatic, her experience is not unique. The benefits of practicing creative embodiment goes well beyond its artistic production value. 

Jubilee Arts is space that welcomes the body as a contributing member of society...and of art too!