Keynote speakers!
One of them is wonderful Prof. Susana Pendzik, PhD, RDT, Lecturer in Theatre Studies Department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Co-editor of Dramatherapy Journal. Prof. Pendzik will be presenting her speech with a topic: Dramatherapy – A Living Tree of Hope in a Chaotic Environment.
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which each person can realise his or her potential, cope with life’s stresses, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to his or her community. But in the global political, economic, climatic and social environment, in which we are all immersed, this postulate seems more an elusive ideal than an achievable reality.
What could be the purpose of dramatherapy in a world driven by discrimination, wars, and climate distress?
Dramatherapy is rooted in the therapeutic potential of theatre, play, imagination, and the creative arts. It is an active, experiential and collaborative approach that focuses on the regenerative aspects of human personality, drawing on the capacity inherent in the arts to activate vital energy, facilitate therapeutic transformation, and promote resilience among individuals, groups and communities.
This lecture strives to instil a little seed of hope by sharing some amazing dramatherapy stories of resilience and collaboration that dare to grow amid despair, impotence, and chaos.
A teacher, a trainer and a performer – Merry Ross, LMFT, RDT,
who will be presenting her talk titled: Natural Connection: With Our Surroundings, Our Community and Ourselves.
Our natural world is interconnected. Trees, plants, flowers, animals, are always in communication with each other. Their survival depends on it.
Humans are the same. We are also interdependent with our family, friends, and community. They help sustain us, support us when we need it, bring us joy, play with us.
This keynote will explore how our connections to nature and community enrich our lives and help us know ourselves better, and live our best lives.