Having given a series of workshops on the theme of “moya moya” in people who care for or work with children, the thing to realize is that even when the content and cause of “moya moya” seems clear, there are aspects of these feelings that remain unclear or out of view. The individual’s “moya moya” stands alone, intertwined with the individual’s position, role, responsibilities, sense of duty, emotional attachments, sense of acceptance, etc., and this makes it seem impossible to resolve/solve. This project was a reminder that feelings like these are complex and annoying, but at the same time very human.

Taking a theatrical approach, for example drawing on personal experiences and feelings, breaking them down and expressing the various elements of “moya moya” creatively with the help of other workshop participants, enables us to take a step back and view the situation from a distance. Mobilizing the elements we create with the body allows us to search for and tinker with a form of expression that describes or represents our own circumstances. This also allows us to decipher our own “moya moya” (or to analyze, reintegrate and reaffirm). The other participants helping you out can learn about experiences new to them, get a sense of the differences with their own situations, or feel a sense of recognition and empathy. “Moya-moya” feelings are highly individual, but living in the same society nonetheless means we are related to or connected with each other in some way.

As the workshops were conducted together with musician Takumi Matsumura, they were also an experiment in expressing situations and feelings through the intangible qualities of sound and music. These highly abstract yet shareable sessions created a sense of focus and a surprising sense of freedom and unity, which was very important. We were set free by times that transcended so-called meaning, and by invaluable actions and behaviors.

The exploration of/quest for understanding “moya moya” through creative expression has only just begun. To begin with, the hurdles to creative expression are high, caregiving and creative expression are not traditionally connected, and opportunities to experiment with artistic expression are something of a luxury. Nevertheless, expressing ourselves creatively enables us to go back to the everyday slog and also brings into perspective the fact that caregiving – something which has struggled for visibility – is a priority in the support of society. I would like to quietly encourage society in the direction of one which puts care at its center.

Speakers: Setsu Hanasaki, Takumi Matsumura, Miho Nakanishi
Host: Takako Ijiri, Miho MIyashita (Artfull Action(NPO))

12:50 Doors open
13:00-13:30　Workshop series to consider “care” through theater: Report
−Setsu Hanasaki
−Takumi Matsumura
13:30-14:00　Talk: Group practices for verbalizing ideas
−Miho Nakanishi
14:00-15:00　discussion
−Setsu Hanasaki
−Takumi Matsumura
−Miho Nakanishi

Anyone interested in the topic is welcome

approx. 30

Free (Advance application is necessary to participate.)

Artfull-action, Non profit organization
FAX: 042-316-7236
E-mail: mail@artfullaction.net