July 12, 2022

By Molly-Ann Nordin

Another beautiful morning here in London! I awake to sunshine, fresh coffee from the french press, and scrambled eggs with my new friend and flatmate before meeting the whole group and rushing off to East London University. We have a busy day of workshops ahead of us, and the group is especially excited because today is the first day we get to work with REAL STUDENTS! AHH!


We spend the first half of the morning getting acquainted with our new 14-15 year old collaborators through games like, "Go", and connecting through games that utilize gesture, improvisation, and creating images in small groups that represent where we live, the perception of where we live, and followed by time to discuss and process what we all have observed and learned from one another. After a quick break we meet with our workshop leader, Mia Cunningham. 


My notes grow increasingly chaotic as I try to keep up with the brilliance of Mia as she leads us through an extremely profound exercise called, "Home Visit". She sets up an environment that empowers all of it's participants to opt in or out as much or as little as we desired. To the backdrop of what I can only describe as the perfect music for this exercise, she asked us a series of thought provoking and sometimes challenging questions that allowed us to get to know one another, and begin to build group and individual connections. 


We then moved to free writing and poetry. Mia taught us how to show appreciation for this particular art (SNAPS!) and thoughtfully explained how the volume of this gesture allows the performer to be heard. She performed her original poetry for us (MAJOR SNAPS!) and modeled true commitment and freedom. She gave us time and space to free write, and then invited those who would like to...to share. AND. OH. MY. GOODNESS! The poetry that the students created was STUNNING. Many of us were wiping tears away from our eyes as we closed a day that I felt truly affirmed why I am here in this program. 


After a quick reset, I met back with a few group member and headed to get a bite to eat at lovely restaurant called, Wildwood. (Definitely suggest!) 


We then headed straight to the theatre to see &Juliet. And...W.O.W...what a show it was. I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to see it for yourself, and then PLEASE come talk to me because I. HAVE. FEELINGS. 


It was magical and VERY full day. I am collapsing into my pillows to the dream the dreams of learning to be the best teacher I can possibly be, and gearing up for another day tomorrow!

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW to hear from my classmates about the wonders of the day!

https://vimeo.com/729379653

https://vimeo.com/729383658

That's all for now!
Love.
Appreciation.
Theatre. 

<3



 

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