One of Fillipo’s groups had already made dolls before so we run a handwriting workshop having the relationship with the dolls as their inspiration for the main character of the play.
We were working in a theatre school so I called it playwriting but actually it can be called creative writing as any style of writing is welcome – novel, poetry, playwriting, memoir – any style that you are inspired to write by the doll.
They worked individually, in couples and in group, in relationship with their chosen dolls, through observation and body movements. They took notes the entire session and at the end they wrote a short story/play which could be the beginning of something bigger developed later at home.
‘These dolls made our imagination soar. It was precisely my doll’s imperfections that made it unique and let my mind flies. If one of my ‘Armando’s’ legs hadn’t been a little longer than the other I would never invented the short story about a farmer with a passion for dancing. I also loved interacting with my classmates, with our final dance circle we joined our souls with those of our dolls. Thank you Regina for this moving experience.’
‘Yesterday was beautiful. Choosing the initial doll marked the beginning of an incredible introspective journey. The meditation combined with inner reflection helped me understand myself and the bond with my little doll. In the end, the text reflects our most intimate inner sides and also allowed me to better understand my companions. I recommend experiencing this with Regina at least once in a life time.’
‘I loved all my friends’ stories. Time flew extremely fast and I had so much fun. We shared our thoughts and dreams, the pure parte of ourselves, it was emotional. I noticed that we all wrote about love, friendship, human and animal rights.’
‘I did enjoy to write a story and, above all, the moment when we shared our stories and stayed together. It was also interesting to see how everyone reacted differently to the same stimulus. Thank you very much for this beautiful evening and for the activity.’
‘Engaging, stimulating, creative, relaxing and though-provoking. I enjoyed when at the end we read our stories to Regina.’
I feel that working with a doll made by other makers gives us the chance to connect with them. Somehow our words can reveal something about them as much as about us.
The words coming out of our hands are magical exactly like the dolls are.
Some beautiful profound stories were created and shared within the group. I am glad the dolls helped to unlock such precious words/worlds.
Thank you for being so open for the experience and a big thank you to Filippo for sharing his group with us once more. Thank you all!
