Yesterday we spent the day working on ‘Who needs theatre’, another special D&D event in Quarterhouse Mill Bay in Folkestone Kent.
There was a relaxed atmosphere, we were happy to gather together.
Zoe, Tamsin, Araxi, Gwen, Brian, Billie, Danae, Abbie, Victoria, Jessie and Cheryl came to make dolls. We made 11 in total. We worked throughout the day, some makers continued making their dolls while attending other sessions.
‘Making my doll gave me an opportunity to think about my dreams and where they live in my body. And to appreciate my heart during the meditation – to give thanks. I am very grateful for this experience Regina. Thank you.’
‘It gave me a place to rest and reflect. Allowed me time to examine my hopes and dreams and it was wonderful to make time and space for that. Thank you.’
‘It was such a nice and safe space to just sit and stuff a doll. I started during one of the first sessions and ended in the last. It was a great way to process some of the things discussed as well as contribute to a bigger project built on dreams.’
‘I found making the doll so unexpected and soothing and I carried on making it through the day in different sessions, which was calming. Lovely to create something this day.’
‘A little white doll. I made a doll in grey room. Its heart stuffed in a bag of wool. I made a doll of string and bone. A doll that called me home home. I made a doll and so did you. 8 billion dolls – so much to do!’
‘The doll made me think about my heart, le coeur, my emotional state. It’s under pressure but it is strong.’
‘My wound is healed.’
‘I came to talk about theatre and ended up making a doll with Regina. My doll transitioned from male to female. He was he and then he got quite an ample bosom so before I gave him a heart he became a she. He has a red stitch where his penis was magically removed. She is called she not they. She has a heart that is full of gratitude. She loves to know her man inside. He is still there inside. She is two. They smile together the he and she. Her name is Nina. She will make lots of friends now that she has become. She will have good health. She already has a history. Nina needed surgery because her brains were popping out of her neck. She didn’t mind, it didn’t hurt, but it’s better for her ideas to come out of her mouth, not from her neck. I gave her a good sewing up. And sewed up her inside leg. She is a very happy doll. Regina says she is the first doll (out of many thousands) to transition. She does not reject her ‘he’ he is in her sense of humour he adores her. All parts of her, all her dreams (she is full of dreams) are welcome in the world. Like Regina who is the master doll maker has warmth that seeps into all her dolls. She is their blood. She gives them life.’
I am really grateful for everyone who contributed making dolls and for our lovely companionship, for Lee’s wise and cheerful introduction and for everybody involved in the organisation of this essential amazing event. Thank you!
