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Is there a project week about to happen at your school?
Are you planning on having a very special class trip?
Do you want to have a special lesson in religion, ethic, literature or art?
The project „Something Else” is considered to be a puzzle, many components form a whole. It enables a wide-ranging approach towards the topic of ‘being different’.
Feel – think – act. We trust in a way of learning based on shared enthusiasm, being eager to explore and create together. Learning from experience – being able to freely connect these experiences, establishing a network which continues developing due to its interdisciplinary approach, thus providing a basis for creatively dealing with our every-day life challenges.
People are different – and aren’t we all a bit special? We face the challenge of dealing with and living in our multicultural world with its diverse cultural backgrounds and characteristics as well as progressing globalization.
Since the developing phase of „Something Else” in 2011/12, during project weeks, 20 sold out performances (2012/13) and our first workshop travels, we were able to encounter children differently.
„Something Else” by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell, awarded with the UNESCO prize for Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of Tolerance, published at Oetinger ISBN 978-3-7891-6352-4
Something Else tries to be like the others, but everything he does shows how different he is. Then Something turns up and wants to be friends, but Something Else isn’t sure that he’s at all like him…
The story contains topics like inner and outer perception, construction of identity, defining limits and limiting others, diversity and appreciation, acceptance and tolerance. The story owns characteristics of a fable.
The novel might inherit a central role during a workshop or can rather be dealt with marginally. We use different motifs of the storyline.
The workshop is an experimental field of research dealing with the topic of being „something else”. Its research tools are borrowed from dance, theatre and the fine arts. We literally experience "on our own". The focus is non-verbal communication. Our work is process-orientated and inclusive due to the concept of aesthetic education.
All workshops can be arranged due to a group’s individual needs. Relating the concrete story to a partly associative content, or rather to an according workshop approach, will be intensified when watching the production’s staging. The workshop emphasizes empathy, body language, haptic sensation, construction of personality, dance and theatre as a means of expression and communication, relaxation.
About 120 children from 3 elementary schools in Cologne developed – in cooperation with us- during project weeks with their creativity and their culturally diverse experiences the artistic means for staging a production. Thus, the figures of the "Others"used for video projections were created by the children.
The production provides a strong language of imagery due to a non-verbal composition of dance, acting, music and video.
**A piece full of full of high spirits and sensuality, sense and nonsense, funny, moving, just something else… **
Throughout the staging, the artists as well as the workshop participants deal with their translation into an aesthetic arrangement, a theatric language. further information…
We developed a collection of games specific for this topic, and in order to maintain a productive cooperation we would provide you with it. It contains games for smaller and bigger groups which can be played at a table, in a gym or on a schoolyard. For different fields of work: We gladly develop in cooperation with you a concept especially for your field of work.
The experimental field of research also contains an interdisciplinary cooperation between you and us.
For example, how can school, art, teacher and artist be mutually inspiring? What kind of synergies emerge?
A thematic cooperation could imply an exchange of work ideas, similar to a platform that encourages to deal with and question own methods. It could also emerge within a „program”, e.g. a project week during which amongst participating in workshops and watching the performance it is also possible to work on and present issues of different thematic areas.
Even if you have way too little time and options to deal with the according aspects in every-day life and wish to do so in a workshop, we consider it a cooperation. Just contact us.
A thematic cooperation between you and us or rather an integration into your class will be developed individually. It depends on the length of a workshop, thematic key aspects or rather the group’s composition and structural options.
Watching the performance will take place after the workshop is finished. The day between the last workshop day and the performance is needed for stage construction and rehearsal.
In the following you’ll find concrete organization models for orientation:
Where?
School centre Creglingen, elementary school and high school level
What?
Workshops for 1st grade, one 1st grade (inclusive) and one 5th grade, each of them during two subsequent days, 2 hours per day + subsequent performance
Initiator?
The school’s social worker
Funding?
Funds of the school’s social work, school’s association, local sponsors, entrance fee for the performance
The workshops took place at the school centre’s small gym. The performance took place at the school centre’s big gym. Technical equipment was partly provided by the school centre and by the local theatre association. Special technical equipment was provided by us.
All of the school centre’s children and teachers came to see the performance (grade 1 – 5) as well as local kindergartens (about 250 spectators). Thus, money was generated which helped funding the project.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.00-10.00 WS1 10.30-12.30 WS2 13.30-15.30 WS3 |
08.00-10.00 WS1 10.30-12.30 WS2 13.30-15.30 WS3 |
08.00–22.00 set up/ rehearsal | 09.00-10.00 performance plus subsequent clean up |
Where?
5 local kindergartens, 2 elementary schools
What?
Workshops for 7 groups, each on 2 days for 2 hours with 2 subsequent performances
Initiator?
Cultural office of the city of Feuchtwangen & Office Social City („Büro Soziale Stadt”)
Funding?
City of Feuchtwangen, Bavarian cultural ministry, foundation of Sparkasse Ansbach, cultural foundation of IHK Mittelfranken, local sponsors, entrance fee
The workshops took place in agility rooms of different kindergartens and schools. We commuted between all locations.
For the performances the city rented the city hall including technical equipment. The performances were attended by the entire staff of all participating institutions; they were also publicly available and thus generated money which helped funding.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.00-10.00 WS1 10.30-12.30 WS2 13.30-15.30 WS3 |
08.00-10.00 WS1 10.30-12.30 WS5 13.30-15.30 WS7 |
08.00-10.00 WS4 10.30-12.30 WS5 13.30-15.30 WS3 |
08.00-10.00 WS4 10.30-12.30 WS2 13.30-15.30 WS6 |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.00-10.00 WS6 10.30-12.30 WS7 |
PR | 08.00–22.00 Set Up/ Rehearsal |
09.00-10.00 Performance 1 11.00-12.00 Performance 2 plus subsequent clean up |
We gladly generate a non-binding cost overview for you.
Here we prepared a contact form for you to fill in.
There are several possibilities to fund the project:
So far every school’s / kindergarten’s funding association actively supported the execution of the project. There was also concrete help from the Bavarian cultural minister. Also the Ministry of Education in Brandenburg announced potential support.
We’d be glad to help you with applications for your responsible ministries.
By smartly distributing the workshops onto several institutions and involving local theatres and cultural offices, financial means can be concentrated, expenses can be saved and the project can be broadly realized for many children.
Moreover one should also take local characteristics, a school’s social line-up or a special need for the positive effects of dance and theatre into consideration when searching for potential sponsors.
Regional companies, associations and umbrella organizations should also be taken into consideration.
When you are searching for sponsors, be as creative as possible!
The list is not intended to be exhaustive.
It rather shall point out ways and ideas about funding your „Something Else” – project for your school. [Status:May 2013]
Stiftung Mercator | Germany
PwC Deutschland | Germany, worldwide
Siemens Stiftung | Germany/ Europe, Afrika, Latin- America
Altana Stiftung | Hessen, Germany
Vodafone Stiftung | Germany
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Körber Siftung | Hamburg
Deutsche Bank Stiftung | Deutschland
Others
Liz Mohn Stiftung | NRW, Germany
Sparda Bank West Stiftung | NRW
Heinrich Böll Stiftung - Freundeskreis | Germany, international
Allianz Kulturstiftung | Germany, regional
art131 | Bavaria, Berlin
Fricke Stiftung | NRW
Sparkassen Stiftungen | regional | Förderte die Durchführung unseres Groß-Projektes in Feuchtwangen
Sparkassenstiftung | Hessen/ Thüringen
IHK Mittelfranken | Förderte die Durchführung unseres Groß-Projektes in Feuchtwangen
Landesbank Baden- Württemberg | Baden- Württemberg
Robert-Bosch-Stiftung | Baden- Württemberg
Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin | Berlin
Stiftungsverzeichnis Mecklenburg Vorpommern
Landesvereinigung Kinder- und Jugendbildung Sachsen- Anhalt
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Sachsen Anhalt| Sachsen Anhalt
Ruth Ratter | Rheinland- Pfalz
Bremische Volksbank Stiftung| Bremen
Stiftungsverzeichnis Kinder- und Jugendkultur | Hamburg
Stiftung des Landes Niedersachsen | Niedersachsen
Stiftung Mesaar| Saarland
We offer you a wide-ranging concept in order to approach the topic of ‘being different’, including all its aspects like reception, tolerance, acceptance, construction of identity, etc. Content and form (artistic means) are closely intertwined. Due to a wide choice of approaches (picture book, teaching material, dance-theatre workshop, performance) it is possible to gain many different experiences.
The ‘complete edition’ is made for children of age 4 to 10. Novel, teaching material and the production’s staging mainly addresses to children. But the topic of ‘being different’ is also relefvant for adults and can thus be explored during a workshop. Maybe at your next company outing?
An empty room of at least 90 qm with a floor that enables moving barefooted or in socks. A classroom with tables and chairs pushed aside is not suitable since it bears of risk of accidents and also detracts from what is really important.
It makes sense to have a group which has at least 8 and not more than 20 participants. If there are too many people in one group it is wise to think about splitting the group.
The teachers / group leaders participate in the workshop. That means they complete the same ‘program’ as the kids / other participants do. On the one hand we want to avoid creating a spectator-situation, which would make it difficult for one or the other to actively participate. On the other hand it showed that it also enables an extraordinary way of getting to know each other for both, the group leaders and the children.
Furthermore the group leaders help out with smaller problems, e.g. going to the toilet with the kids and similar things.
Comfortable clothes, anti-slip socks / gym shoes, a water bottle.
Our concept intends to deal on a wide range with the topic. This also implies dealing with the novel which can be greatly integrated into school or kindergarten every-day life. In advance it will be talked about how to thematically cooperate. For further information see ‘Thematic Cooperation’ and ‘Integration in schools’. Should it not be possible to do so for whatever reasons, it is still not an obstacle for having a workshop.
We recommend 3 to 5 days and 2 hours per day in order to process and intensify new impressions. A workshop has to take at least 2 hours.
No, we are also glad to provide a workshop without a performance.
No, it is possible to invite our production as guest performance without doing a workshop. A subsequent talk with us could complete the event.
Yes, we design workshops for different age groups. For example, when we worked with children of a 4th and 5th grade, the picture book was only dealt with marginally; instead, after seeing the performance, they summarized their personal impressions and experiences in own stories – or worked as ‘theatre detectives’ in order to define elements from the workshop within the actual performance. On the strength of past experiences it showed that also older children and adults were inspired by the production’s staging.
No, the performance does not depend on our workshop offer and is an extraordinary theatre experience. Moreover it is possible to generate more money by having a larger audience.
Stage: at least 7 x 7 m, not more than 11 x 11 m, has to be possible to darken the room
Attachment device for projector (central, 7 – 11 m distance to the back of the stage)
Basically it is possible to use a gymnasium, a multifunctional room, the auditorium and similar rooms for a performance. Still it is important to note that often stage equipment and dance floor have to be organized.
If there was the possibility of using a local, fully equipped theatre or another event room including professional event technology, it would make a guest performance much easier and maybe even cheaper. Naturally, we will assist the coordination and acquisition of stage technique.
UNESCO | Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
Bundesverband ‘Tanz in Schulen’
Something Else in Feuchtwangen
Martin Auer | Der seltsame Krieg
featureon the occasion of the major project’s opening at Feuchtwangen
In preparation of our project days in Feuchtwangen there was an interview with area manager Erika Weimer, who organized and coached the project for the city of Feuchtwangen.
„One cannot begin early enough to playfully confront children with the topic of ‘being different’, completely without finger wagging, emphasized Stefan Fink, board member of the financial institute.”
The project is seen as enabling pioneer work, and also represents a huge enrichment of educational work at local schools and kindergartens, emphasized the mayor.
pdf
„Accepting the other they way he or she is, acceptance regardless of skin colour or characteristics and specialties, this is the educational approach. This is so exiting since people from about 60 nations live in Feuchtwangen, a city where many have a special relationship with the people of Lebenshilfe, says Patrick Ruh. The initiative is based on André Lehnert being hired as an actor at the Kreuzgangspiele. Lehnert already embodied bold Siegfried in the Saga of the Nibelungs, and his charisma as well as his partner Paula Scherf’s choreographic skills simply amazed.”
„The mayor immediately seized a chance and in collaboration with the Sparkasse foundation, the Bavarian cultural ministry and the IHK’s cultural foundation (Industrie- und Handelskammer Mittelfranken) established a financial framework.”
„A brilliant approach for children and teenagers towards dealing with tolerance, inclusion and integration, and acceptance of fellow human beings, explained Stefan Fink the reasons for his financial institute to support the project. And mayor Patrick Ruh stated that it was a stroke of luck having a „classical big city project” being realized in the city center of Feuchtwangen.”
Interview with a 5th gradeshortly after the workshop | in german language
Children of a 5th grade in Feuchtwangen answer questions of a radio journalist about their experiences in our workshop.
Featureon the occasion of ending the workshop phase
Immediately after the workshop has ended the interviews with Paula Scherf and André Lehnert were made.
Featureon the occasion of the project’s end in Feuchtwangen
Right after the 2 performances at the end of our project days there was a press conference, during which this review and the interviews with Paula Scherf and André Lehnert were made.
„A one-week workshop phase with Lehnert and Scherf including five kindergartens at the city area and the city – and land school, where about 140 children participated, was followed up by the performance of the children’s book multimedia dance-theatre version last morning. A worthy end, as mayor Patrick Ruh noted.”
„A continuation would be welcome. The reaction of all participating institutions was positive, added area manager Erika Weimer. Even behavioral changes amongst children are noticeable.”
„Aesthetic education does not primarily consider education as a collection of knowledge, which favors reason instead of reception, but as a result of sensual experiences which can themselves be the origin of knowledge and awareness.”
[source: Wikipedia]
Interview with a 5th grade
shortly after the workshop in german language
[Interview: Arno Boas, Radio8]
All games / exercises / experiments put participants in situations where they encounter their rather unknown other, feel for them, communicate with them.
Example: „Mirror dance”
One is the other’s reflection in the mirror. Knowing that all movements (no matter what) have to be executed synchronically, like a human and his reflection in the mirror, leads to an increased awareness for one’s own acting as well as to a concentration for the other.
Example: „To lead / to follow”
All participants are like magnets connected to each other and thus lead their own or follow their partner’s movement. This can be done in pairs or in smaller or bigger groups. This magnetic connection can affect different body parts.
All games / experiments / tasks base their effect on a relaxed atmosphere. We believe that being keen on experiments and creativity can only exist where there is space and time to feel.
A relaxed atmosphere is supported by
- reception, feeling one's own body, body expression
- concentration on the other
- the game, experiencing with one's own imagination and with that of the others
- individually and collectively undergoing, experiencing, tracing and reflecting of a process
- development of emotions
- boredom which is not suffocated but used to create something new
Relaxes the body and moves the spirit, extends possibilities within a real life mode. We dream ourselves to different places while also being someone else, only to find back to us.
How to approach a strange body? What do I feel when I’m touching it?
The partner’s body outline is being explored; from a great distance, with only less distance to the body und finally alongside the body shape. In doing so the hand is used as a thicker, thinner, softer or harder paint brush. But also other body parts which are more difficult to use can become a painting-tool.
Relaxing, feeling light, handing over the responsibility. Concentrating, carefully supporting the other body, taking responsibility for it.
This exercise bodily emphasizes the importance of responsible contact.
Focusing on body language and non-verbal communication supports experiencing with all senses. An impartial zone, free of prejudice is being established; a room for experiences beyond „right” and „wrong” or „good” and „bad”.
Every participant plays a part, creates something. Limits which exist due to language, specific components, cultural understanding could be overcome. The children detect known individual patterns, can change them and thus switch from this to that position.
By realizing one’s own as well as unknown otherness, tolerance is being developed which then leads to appreciation. (= inclusion).
All participants experience their bodies as being bearer of emotions.
What does the other’s body tell me? What can I express with my body? How different is the individual expression of emotions?
Our greeting ritual, a catchy movement rhyme, functions as framework for every participant in order to explore the diversity of expressing and understanding emotions.
Based on own interest we explore bodily signals (facial expressions, gestures, posture, movements and quality of movements) to express if we like, want or allow something or not.
The workshop is a zone free of prejudice, no-one can do anything ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, it only invites to explore one’s individual range of opportunity. In this zone no-one is better or worse than the other. Just different. photo: Being aware of the other in yourself A construction of identity is being supported since comparative or hierarchical arrangements („I’m the best, the one being better at this than you are” or „I’m the one who cannot do something like that”) give way to experiencing oneself while encountering the others or rather the otherness. Diversity can be experienced as creative potential („I do it like that, how do you do it?”).
The participants are being encouraged to create and thus take part in the process with their individual characteristics, skills and interests. They experience themselves and others as being part of a whole, realize strengths, weaknesses, own and other limits. They come to know their individual effectiveness within a collective process.
„Now everyone who likes to eat onions has to dance” (the others stop moving).
„Now everyone with brown eyes” (the others stop moving).
Agreement and disagreement concerning preferences and aversions within a group now become apparent. On the one hand this does support perception. On the other hand it challenges to take a stand or admit own affections. Mostly this is very surprising and suddenly one has something in common with a person who would have never thought so before.
The process is explicitly focused on. There will not be a „product” like creating a children’s performance. Developing a product requires training of certain processes and learning the basics of acting on stage.
For us it is more about enabling complex experiences within a safe environment. Topics of constructing an identity, inner and outer reception, defining limits and limiting others, diversity and appreciation, acceptance and tolerance will be dealt with immediately while working with them.
