Transformation Through Theater Personal Creative Process Map Joanne Margolius Magical Experiences Arts Company
Inspiration to create comes from the world around me, the images I am seeing, the sounds I am hearing, the suffering That I am crying over, the compassion that fills my heart. It is always the faces of the children that so deeply effects me. Those that stare out from the camera, it almost feels like they are calling me, this was the photo that began MEAC’s 21st Journey, a new Play, ‘Transformation’.
MEAC’s objectives:
Creative Expression and Production 1. The participants will use a variety of theatrical elements to communicate their feelings and ideas. 2.The students/adults will reflect and develop the performer's movements to explore characters and develop situations to dramatic problems. Emphasize is put on conflict resolution within the plays. 3. The participants will be encouraged to 'lead' the performers and develop the stories through their own emotional responses and imagination. 4.The participants will be able to touch and see a variety of textural costumes, cloth backdrops, props, and dramatic theater make-up. 5. The students/adults will observe varies ways in which people can communicate without verbalization. 6. The students will use a variety of loco-motor and non-locomotor movements to express their responses to the play. Children in wheelchairs can be placed on floor mats and supported physically by aides.
I discover a deeply moving book ‘Dear World’ by Bana Alabed. A seven year old child’s experience of War in Aleppo, Syria. I begin TWO YEARS of research into the lives of children in Syria. Bana becomes an inspirational part of my life. MEAC’s goal in creating a Play about the War experiences of Syrian Children is to parallel the suffering and the triumph of the children coping with severe disabilities. MEAC will: Collaborate with special educators in teaching & helping adapt material for the classroom. Education and a worksheet on the Play will be offered to school staff. Communicate clearly to our school and elder care residencies the mission of presenting the play ‘Transformation’, and how The Play will address the subject of suffering and overcoming difficult emotions. As a Playwright of 21 Plays, and an Arts performer of 33 years, I will challenge my own vision of Creativity to Create a unique and profound production. I will ask my schools to push past any boundaries and pre-conceptions They have concerning what their students can experience.
I read, I watch documentaries, I write. I draw, I sew, I hammer nails. I choreograph, I rehearse, I dance. I am ready. Transformation premieres October 8th 2019 at The Delrey School. My Uber driver that day, a refugee from Syria, Father of a child with disabilities, the only survivors from their family. You could not see the blue sky, but you felt the wind across your brow You could hear the bluebirds, but you echoed their sounds You could not walk on solid ground, but you flew none the less You awakened me, and I transformed you You could not speak, but you formed the words, Words became sentences, sentences became stories, and stories are made from dust‌
Magic dust is a gift, I offer you my friendship, and ask for your trust.
The Magical Experiences Arts Company has performed ‘Transformation’ at The Delrey School, The William S. Baer School, The Chimes School, RICA-Baltimore, Broadmead Nursing Home and The Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Following performances, student responses and reflection on Play contents is critically assessed through verbal staff feedback, data collection and MEAC report writing. MEAC continues to be a world leader in developing Therapeutic Theater for the benefit of individuals with severe multiple disabilities.
Creating, engaging… making the Arts accessible to all.