MARFA –– Summer Shake Up continues next week with Marfa Live Arts teaching “Mindfulness Theater” with arts educators Rachel Tate, Fatima Anaza and Nina Martin.
The workshop is focused on improving health functioning through mindfulness exercises that teach healthy coping strategies using theater arts practices and runs June 10-13. In partnership with Marfa Independent School District, Chinati Foundation, Marfa Studio of the Arts, Ballroom Marfa and other area nonprofits, the program culminates with a community performance on Thursday, June 13.
“The Summer Shake Up program is incredible,” Tate said. “It’s great to have all the different organizations involved, and it’s gratifying to see the community come together for the kids. The kids can expect a week full of collaboration and self-exploration while learning some techniques for breathing and mindfulness. I’m hopeful that this year we can really dive into learning what it means to be an ensemble. Together, we will create a safe space to sing and dance, try new things, and see whatever other incarnations of exploration come about. We also aim to focus on how each person contributes personally when they show up ready to go inward and take some risks –– all in the name of play.”
Tate has been the lead educator with Marfa Live Arts for the past two years, and it will be both Tate and Anaza’s second year teaching Mindfulness Theater. “Last year was a riot,” Anaza said. “It was amazing to see the kids come alive and grow in comfort, not just with themselves but also with their ensemble as they explored big feelings over the week.”
Tate continued, “I spent my middle and high school years as a lover and dedicated learner of the theatre. My time in training classes and rehearsals are some of my strongest and sweetest memories. As a professional actor for over a dozen years, I performed in Equity houses across the country and participated in numerous new play development projects. Today, I travel the country and Southeast Asia facilitating leadership and social/emotional learning events and workshops for middle and high school students. I always look forward to my time teaching with Marfa Live Arts to get back to my theatrical roots and share something that has meant a lot to me for a long time.”
Anaza reflected, “I have done theatre professionally and taught educational workshops, and what has been unique about Mindfulness Theater is how process-oriented this project is. I have had a meditation practice for years that has offered me great solace. The opportunity to offer that skill set to these young kids and see what they do with it is exciting, and to do it through play and performance is invaluable. I am eager to see them utilize their imaginations in our games and exercises to gain tools for greater self-knowledge and, in turn, learn to communicate their emotions confidently. We’re going to put on a show, but more than anything, this is about wanting the kids to continue and grow their awareness of the present moment.”
The public is invited to the Mindfulness Theater showcase in Hibbits Gym behind the Marfa School cafeteria on Thursday, June 13, at 11 a.m. For more information on the Summer Shake Up program visit www.summershakeup.org. For more information on Marfa Live Arts, see www.marfalivearts.org.