It's been several weeks since we finished the seminar on Theatricality and Reality in Modern French Drama, lead by Dr. Maryann Frese Witt of North Carolina State University. I have been asked often since my return how my trip was. As I prepare to respond, I feel my body energize, my eyes open wide, a huge smile forms on my lips and from the inside, I know I'm glowing.
I loved this seminar. It was beautiful, enriching, inspiring, soul cleansing...who knew theater could have such a profound effect on someone? Maybe Kate, Elaine...
My hope is to flavor our work in 8th grade French with some of the lessons learned by experiencing the many aspects of theater in Avignon. Most of all, I believe the work of a director and her or his actors is one that requires openness and empathy for the text and the characters. I found that in our scenes becoming a character is not that easy, but I used our work together to illuminate a piece of myself. It was a gratifying exercise.
I would like to thank (in order of appearance at our conference table), Chris, Brenda, Court, Suzanne, Mary, Martha, Dana, Tesa (Dominique, Bliss and Myna), Jennifer (Beau), Valerie, Ray, Symphorien, Michael, and of course Maryann and her magnificent assitants, Maguerite, Marjorie and Ron. You provided thoughtfulness, eagerness, camaraderie, support, friendship, great stories, and meals. We laughed often even as we marveled at the amount of work we completed all in FRENCH!
Any teachers interested in participating in a seminar in Avignon next year will be pleased to know that Dr. Ron Witt (yes, Maryann's husband) is leading an NEH Seminar on Petrarch in English in Avignon. Look for it in the fall listings on the NEH website.
I am grateful to ALL OF YOU who made this possible. I love you all.
Peace.
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