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2008 29th Annual NADT Conference November 6-9, 2008
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| CALL FOR PAPERS |
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our work as drama therapists we inhabit and celebrate the
present moment. We understand the power of accepting what is
given and the transformations that can occur by taking one step
beyond. The ability to be present and open to possibility is at
the core of drama therapy’s potential to heal. The magic of
drama has always been its immediacy--that potent circle of
energy between actor and audience. What has thrilled us for
millennia is the aliveness of drama. “Live” theatre in our
cyber-saturated society remains a touchstone of our humanity.
Many of us have also turned to meditative practices in an effort to bring us back to ourselves. Western psychology and neuroscience are discovering the benefits of contemplative wisdom and the healing power of the present moment. Drama therapy has much to offer as this creative integration is explored. The here and now is our play space! Our processes facilitate the open heart, cultivate balance, support empathy and compassion, and illuminate the humanness of our nature. Please join us in San Francisco to celebrate the spontaneous heart of drama therapy. Remember the mantra of “yes and…” Offer a proposal and co-create this conference. Let your imagination play on the possibilities! Contributions from colleagues in allied professions examining our theme are welcomed. As you envisage the workshops, performances, papers, presentations and panels you might share with our community, consider the following questions: In the enactment, improvisation, ritual or storytelling how does what is experienced in the moment clarify and transform who we are? What are the shared and differing experiences of director, witness and participant? Viola Spolin wrote of improvisation as freeing “each person to feel his or her own true nature.” How is a client empowered in the here and now so that nothing needs to be exiled from the self? Lastly, how do we intersect in this realm with other creative arts therapies, meditation, yoga and psychotherapy in this inquiry into the power of presence? Several years ago I attended a workshop at Spiritrock, a meditation center in Marin County, which was led by Stephen Cope, a yogi and psychotherapist. In the course of his talk, he offered something that has become my touchstone. “May I meet the present moment with an undefended heart.” I believe drama therapy uncovers and restores our strong, creative, open, undefended hearts. I look forward to meeting you and to an inspiring and enriching conference in 2008. The presenter application will be
available online on this website shortly. Jess Miller Conference Chair
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