We Are Family / Lean On Me: Transformative justice theatre workshops

We Are Family / Lean On Me is an experiential learning workshop that addresses communication skills, interconnection and community care practices.

It is a somatics, movement, and theatre-based class and it is for Every Body.

We Are Family / Lean On Me does not revolve around competition or end results. The focus is on creating an environment where participants can be fully present and connect on a deeper level, allowing for playful experimentation.

We Are Family / Lean On Me is aimed to help facilitate relational healing, cultivate reciprocal relationships and challenge traditional notions of strength and power, while emphasizing the value of vulnerability and radical kindness.

We Are Family / Lean On Me is a unique, transformative justice workshop that invites participants to explore and celebrate their individuality while practicing more pleasurable and conscious interactions.

Workshop 1

LEAN ON ME : FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON DYNAMICS OF POWER AND PATTERNS OF CONTROL

A transformative justice theatre workshop exploring themes of: nonhierarchical futures, collective or circular leadership, social status, discrimination, the unifying power of intention, personal power as a collective asset, authority and consent

Workshop 2

WE ARE FAMILY: SETTING THE STAGE FOR COMMUNITIES OF CARE

A transformative justice theatre workshop exploring themes of: community welfare, reciprocal relationships, kinship, conflict resolution, accountability, relational healing, familial restructuring, mutual dependence and organization, lineages of interrelationship.

Accessibility

The classes will be done in English but French can be used as well, as needed. Each workshop begins with physical and imaginative exercises before leading into guided group improvisations following certain themes. The workshop can increase in more complicated work depending on the ability of the participants.

All instructions are verbal with demonstration. Physical limitations are not a barrier in this workshop. Music might be used for some exploration exercises.

Exercises in class may involve light bodily contact, but consent will be routinely asked for. Each class involves preliminary emotional/physical/energy check ins, and cool downs at the end in an effort to use the medium of our emotions responsibly.

Facilitator Bio

Mael Cheff (he/they) is an actor, playwright, director and workshop facilitator based in Tio`tia:ke / Mooniyang / Montreal. His work is social justice and queer-centered. He has been active in the community for over a decade, using emotional impact and inspiring stories to foster collective awareness & positive changes.