Play after Play
story · play · connection
 

Play after Play

is an hour of exquisitely performed play of two kinds: the first is a short theatrical performance based on wisdom tales from around the world, involving music, movement, and story telling for children age 2-8.  The second is a formalized experience of physical play that models safety, awareness, and gentleness. 


Story Play Connection

Our programs give children and their families a precious opportunity to slow down and connect in joy and safety.

Story

Stories bring us together, quiet us down, invite us to listen.


We choose our stories carefully.  They all, in some way, have a big heart.  We select wisdom tales from around the world that express values of togetherness, generosity and kindness.  Stories that share the true benefits empathy, compassion and caring for others.


Our style of performance is simple, direct and genuine.  We seek to share our stories honestly - making a personal connection with each child.   We allow the story to be told through us - our movements, voices and expressions bringing the story alive within each child’s experience.


Each story begins with music.  We carefully research music from the region of the world each story comes from.  Music brings us together, relaxes and enlivens, and opens the door to our journey through the story.  Throughout the performance simple vocal music and rhythm weaves our shared experience of the story together.

Play

Play is connection in action.


From birth throughout our lifespan we are in connection with others.  The quality of our life reflects simply, directly and genuinely in the quality of our connections.


Play is natural and instinctual.  It is a deeply woven motivation to relate, to understand and to care.  Play is a non-verbal, empathic interaction that allows the individual to experience, explore and discover the power and meaning of connection.


Play is not fighting.  Play is not hurting.  Play is the courage to connect and to be kind, gentle and safe.


In play we explore connection in three observable ways:


Engagement - observation, eye contact, facial         expressions, head gestures, proximity, brief touches.


Movement - moving together, traveling together, mirroring and echoing movements, making shapes, making spaces.


Touch - hand, finger and foot play, cradling, cuddling, crawling underneath, riding on the back, rolling like a ball.


Play connects and integrates us into caring relationships.  Through play we learn simply, directly and genuinely about ourselves and each other.