Chekhov Technique in Dramatherapy with Zoe Brook

When traumatic experience has taken us away from ourselves, sometimes it’s hard to return, to see ourselves, or others, clearly, or to feel present in our bodies or the space around us. I have found that Michael Chekhov techniques can provide a really accessible, powerful and contained pathway back to self.  In my experience they help people (myself included) who have been numbed by trauma to feel themselves physically and emotionally present in space in relation to others and the world around them.  Michael Chekhov refers to some of these techniques as being the ‘simplest technical means for rekindling your feelings should they become obsolete or refuse to function when you need them’.  The techniques use sensory imagination to create sensations, atmospheres and qualities through movement which in turn generate feelings, presence and direction.  By using the imagination as container for the journey and a pathway to embodiment through archetypal feelings rather than specific personal feelings – it creates an opportunity for people who have avoided feeling to feel fully without being overwhelmed.

This workshop will provide a practical exploration of the techniques I use in my dramatherapy and therapeutic theatre practice and time to reflect as a group on the potential application of Chekhov techniques in other dramatherapy and therapeutic theatre contexts.

Zoe Brookis an H.C.P.C registered Dramatherapist, theatre practitioner and founding member and executive director of Bazooka Arts – a therapeutic arts charity based in Scotland. Bazooka Arts provide therapeutic support for adults and children affected by mental ill health, trauma, adverse childhood experiences and long term conditions.  Working with all ages and abilities in health, education and community contexts the organisation prioritises the inclusion of people affected by health inequalities, poverty and isolation.  Zoe is also a member of The Chekhov Collective UK.