Dynamic Heart Project

The work continues

2012-01-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

"When Love and Skill work together,

Expect a Masterpiece"
John Ruskin

Thank you for all your support

Our work continues with plans to return to Bangladesh later this year.

Filipe recently gave a concert in his home village of Vimeiro to raise funds for DHP, the concert was supported by over one hundred people.

We hope you enjoy these video clips from the concert.

Don't Give Up

Haja o que houver

Travelling to Bangladesh

2012-01-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

29th September 2011

Our journey started from London Gatwick on Thursday afternoon 29th September via Dubai and Dhaka heading for Chittagong down in the south of Bangladesh.

The story though starts 6 weeks earlier when Mostafa Kamal from Unite Social Theatre for Action (UTSA) in Chittagong put out a call for assistance to an international drama email group. He told us about the tragic accident that had happened in July, in Mirasorai, killing 43 boys and injuring many more. Being an experienced leader in Social Theatre Mostafa knew of the benefits that drama and expressive arts would bring to help this community deal with their loss.

We read that email and saw it as a "Call to Action" and within 6 hours of saying "Yes" to Mostafa our first email went out to people telling them of our plans and asking for help to raise the funds we needed to go to Chittagong. By 11pm that same night donations had already started arriving, by the following morning we had received over £500. In the weeks that followed people donated from as far away as Siberia, China and Australia, all with much the same message "tell the parents my heart goes out to them, I'm reaching out to them through Dynamic Heart Project"

Dawn over India

As well as personal donations we organised Dynamic Theatre workshops with proceeds going towards our trip, Filipe gave a fundraising concert in Portugal in early September, and so within 6 weeks we created the funds to travel to Bangladesh to be of service in the best way we could to the people of Mirasoai.

This trip was just the beginning, we have plans to return on a regular basis for the next 3 - 5 years to continue our work with the people of that community who in the face of tragedy opened their hearts and homes to us. They found it at times difficult to believe that people from across the world reached out to them through us to help them in their time of need.

Arriving into Chittagong

We arrived at Chittagong airport at 2.30pm on Friday 30th September. Mostafa was there to welcome us and take us to our guest house for a much needed rest before we started our journey into the soul of the people of Bangladesh.

Thank you Mostafa for having the courage and the passion to live your dream through Social Theatre, and thank you all for sharing our vision of making a difference in the world through the Dynamic Heart Project.

This is our story....

Chittagong Workshop

2012-01-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

And your heart says...

I'm your heart, I'm trying to get your attention, Hello

As part of our warm up to deeper work we have people work in pairs, one person is active whilst the other just listens. The active, doing person represents and improvises the "heart" of the person who is seated. It's always interesting to hear and see how our heart relates to us and if we take notice of what it has to say, maybe it has to act in strong ways to get us to take notice and make changes in our lives.

This warm up exercise was one of the very first ones we created with Dynamic Theatre, it continues to amaze us, but then again it is the wisdom of the heart.

Sometimes we need a reminder

And at other times the connection is just there

We had four days to work and share Dynamic Theatre with people who were going to be coming with us to do field-work in Mirasorai. Thankfully everyone present was familiar with some form of action-methods so it made our teaching that much easier.

Dynamic Theatre works mainly with the collective unconscious, the first part of our work was to encourage people to be even more spontaneous than they were already. To enable them to think beyond a role and to learn trust what their body and intuition is telling them to do and say we reminded them of childhood and how it was to imagine that a chair could transform into a castle or a spaceship.

Filipe took everyone through exercises from being Super-Heroes to wild animals running or flying free in nature. Why? Because even in the most creative of arts we sometimes forget how to be spontaneous and our spontaneous becomes rehearsed and we lose touch with who we are and what we are meant to be doing.

What better way to re-connect with inspired action than to reenact a classic fairy tale, Cinderella was chosen as the favoured one to perform, but to add another dimension to the story we asked people to enhance different emotions in the play.

Prince Charming and his aides, all so joyful...

Cinderella and her Prince "enjoying" the ball

Yes this Cinderella story was told in the style of "sadness" and by literally over emphasizing the sadness so that everything became sad the only tears shed were by the audience crying with laughter as Prince Charming let out deep deep sobs as Cinderella's foot fitted the glass slipper.

By encouraging people to become spontaneous and laugh until they are crying we free up a space in them which then allows that person to become a strong container and a good channel for more painful emotions. Plato said that you could know more about a person by watching them play for an hour than you could after years of just conversation.

The more creative we become the more we learn to think outside of the box, the more we think outside of the box the more chance we have of imagining how it might feel to walk in someone else's shoes and see the world through another person's eyes. Neurobiological research shows that when we empathize or imagine how it is to be in the role of another, both sides of the brain become engaged and stimulated enabling us to feel connected to the whole. I am You, You are Me and together we are One.

Thank you to all who participated in the Chittagong workshop

" I saw the angel in the marble

and carved until I had set him free"

Michelangelo

Giving Back

2012-01-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Some people gave us money to buy writing books, pencils, and coloured crayons for the children of some of the slum schools in Chittagong. On our second day in Chittagong we were able to visit such a school and give each child a writing book, a pencil and a box of coloured crayons, with some left over for those who were not at school that day.

Thank you to all who gave specifically for this purpose, it was a real pleasure to see how treasured these useful gifts were received.

Each one gratefully received

Everyone has so many questions

and red certainly is the colour of the day

Once met, never forgotten

This is the school itself, it's a long room divided by three partition walls teaching primary school children basic maths and languages, including english classes.

Leaving our message of good wishes and fulfilled hopes for the future for everyone at the school, as well as writing all of your love and good wishes.

Social Theatre is used a lot in the slum areas to help people express their views and bring together the community to bring about change for the better. Here theatre is used for changing lives and to bring awareness of child trafficking. Here theatre saves lives.

"I regard theatre as the greatest of all art forms,

the most immediate way a human being can share with another

the sense of what it is to be a human being"

Oscar Wilde

Playback

2012-01-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Everybody's having fun

We were very lucky to have as part of our team Reza Aziz who is a very experienced Playback Theatre leader from Dhaka. In the picture above you can see Reza warming up the group for a full afternoon of laughter and self-expression. Despite a family member being seriously ill in hospital in Dhaka, Reza gave selfless devotion to bringing light back into these children's eyes, we were all certainly blessed by having Reza with us.

We decided to have a more relaxed and enjoyable afternoon as the first day of our visit had been very emotional for everyone. Plus we wanted to make people aware that our work was not just about crying and dealing with loss, part of the process is to bring back laughter, nothing is quite as soothing than to hear children laughing uncontrollably.

Let's have afternoon tea

Laughing is infectious

Some of the parents and elders came to the afternoon just to sit, watch and enjoy their children joining in together with other children. Some parents came to see other children play to honour their own children who were no longer there to enjoy the fun. The afternoon was bitter-sweet to see a father watching the other children play and laugh with tears in his eyes telling us how he had lost his only son. Whilst Reza and other team members worked with the children we were able to sit and be present for some of the Father's and Mother's who really just wanted to talk and to know that someone was there to listen.

Playtime can be so much fun

"Play energizes and enlivens us.

It eases our burdens.

It renews our natural sense of optimism

and opens us up to endless new possibilities"

Stuart Brown

Playing it forward

2012-01-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Creating Sacred Space

As the accident affected so many people in so many different ways we decided to create a spontaneous play using just five main characters relevant to the tragedy, no script, just improvisation. Our intention was to then invite those from the audience who felt moved to or wanted to say something to one of the characters or as one of the characters to come do or say what they needed to say.

When tragedy occurs and life ends suddenly, those left behind often feel they didn't get to say goodbye or there is a need to say one last thing or embrace the person who has died one final time. It is our belief and that of many others in the field of Expressive Arts that drama can be a wonderful container and healing tool for expressing the unspoken words that can otherwise stay stuck in our hearts forever.

The five characters we chose for our "play" were:

1) The children who died

2) Parents of those who died
3) Brothers/Sisters of those who died
4) Friends of those who died
5) School Teachers of those who died

It is possible for one person to represent and speak as a group of people. It is sometimes a very strong experience to take on the role of a group of people, especially a group in distress. Again we want to acknowledge our teams depth of compassion and strength of spirit to step into these roles so willingly to help begin the healing process of their fellow countrymen.

Final Preparations

Connecting Everyone

To be able to create such a sacred space for healing we needed to unite everyone, so whilst Shishir and Sudarshan are connecting with the audience, the players (right of the picture) are centering and focusing together their intention of the work about to be done.

It has always been our belief that we are like channels for the work we do. Whenever we are about to start work, be it with Dynamic Theatre or any other kind of expressive art, we have a silent prayer running through our mind and hearts, and that is to remember we are like a "Hollow Bone" which means to let yourself go totally into the experience of whatever is about to happen, and let the wisdom of the Universe flow through you. The process of "Hollow Bone" can be found in many different ancient traditions, basically translated it means:-

"I am but the vehicle for the energy of the Universe,

and it is the love in my heart that makes the difference"

No one can imagine how a parent must feel

to hear the news of the death of your child

Or the shock of losing an older brother

How do you react as a parent?

These are the opening scenes from our improvised play, by making it as emotive as possible we aimed to offer a safe place for people to express emotions, for many these emotions had been held inside since the accident in July.

Everyone becomes involved

Whilst we could not bring the children back we could allow people the sacred space to cry, grieve and join together in their pain and loss, by letting unspoken words be spoken, by letting a river of tears flow and allowing people to ride that stormy river we could guide them to the soothing and healing waters further upstream with the view of a new day dawning.

By allowing deep emotions to flow through us we allow the healing process to begin. Problems arise when we block the flow. These two boys in the photo, one centre right and the other surrounded by a magenta cloth came into the play to say goodbye to their friends, in the end they sang a traditional folk song to honour and remember all the friends they had both lost. It enabled a cathartic process for them and for all their friends. We honour them for their courage of stepping into the centre of the river and allowing the tears to flow, in so doing their openness and vulnerability brought about healing not only for themselves but for their community as well.

"Let the scars of the heart be seen,

for by their scars are known the Men and Women

who walk the way of love"

Farid ud-Din Attar

The PlayHouse

2012-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Creating Home

Whilst working with trauma to begin with we also in the last days of our work wanted to sow seeds of a new beginning. What better way to create a sense of security and foundation than by creating home, each colour representing a different quality to add into the rich mix of making home, joy, happiness, togetherness, and a place for friends no longer physically present were just a few of the suggestions as to what needs to go into making a good home.

You have to make sure there's enough room for everyone

"The house is going to be this big" says Saimun

Shishir is somewhat amused by Saimun's grand vision

But soon Shishir is inspired by Saimun's big vision

We will have a red wall here, and maybe a window or two here

Soon everyone is having fun watching Saimun and Shishir create their Playhouse

When we were told we would be working with Class 5 we imagined maybe 30 children coming along but when 130 turned up we had to improvise fast. Working with a great team makes all the difference, together we were able to work in a fun supportive way, enabling the children to use their imaginations and at the same time express and experience their needs in a safe and supportive environment.

Because of the amazing team we had we could at times just be there supporting the team in a supervisory way, like that the interaction and spontaneity could just flow without the need for translation. For us the laughter and smiles transcended all language barriers, here the language of heart and soul reigned strong.

"To the world you may be one person,

but to one person you may be the world"

Bill Wilson

Visions of hope

2012-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Future Visions

As well as working with Dynamic Theatre and other forms of drama we also invited the children to express their hopes and dreams through picture drawing. With some of the funds we raised we were able to buy paper and coloured pens and pencils. We bought the materials locally to support local business.

A picture paints a thousand words

As well as working with the children, Filipe ran two morning groups working specifically with the mothers who had lost their sons. Sometimes we need more than just speaking and for some using drama as a form of expression is too exposing, so for those who wanted to Filipe explained and worked with the benefits of drawing out feelings through art and also the immensely therapeutic tool of letter writing.

The mothers were able to express their pain and loss through these creative art forms. Filipe guided and supported them through their pain and helped to then transform this into new visions of the future.

A place to grow and always a place to remember friends

Transforming the image of football, from tragedy to joy

A vision of hope for me, my family and my country

The most basic of images can lead us on exciting journeys and open up the world of possibility. By giving form to our imaginary worlds whether it be through art, drama or storytelling we are able to bring light and hope to our darker experiences, and by showing there is a continuation and that our story spreads on into the future we gain hope for a brighter tomorrow.

"The soul never thinks without a picture"

Aristotle

Football Match

2012-01-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

Filipe and his "Portugal" team

As a way of bringing everyone in the community together and bring back the sense of joy and laughter to football again we organised a football match for our final afternoon in Mirasorai. We wanted to honour all the boys who died that fateful afternoon in July, all returning home excited and celebrating after winning a football match, little knowing a few hours later life would change forever.

The local children decided they liked the idea of having England play Portugal in our honourary football match. Mark being captain of England and Filipe captain of Portugal. Eleven players soon became fifteen or more on each side as everyone wanted to be involved and join in the fun.

It was a great joy for us to see smiles and hear laughter returning to children who had previously told us they would never play football again as so many friends had been lost to the accident.

The community comes to watch

"Portugal" heading for "England's goal

Where's the ball?

Portugal 1 England 0

It was a great game supported by everyone from the community. We wanted to end our work with this game to bring back a joyful and positive attitude towards football, success and winning, all of which had been badly and sadly tarnished. By ending our work this time with football we hoped that people would then be able to remember the smiling happy faces of their sons, brothers and friends enjoying a game that unites people worldwide, and in that united feeling they would sense the love and support that reached out to them from people around the world.

The team

2012-01-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Pial, Reza, Sudarshan, Mark, Saimun, Filipe, Shishir

Back in Chittagong we met for a final debrief after our work in Mirasorai. Pictured here are the great men who volunteered to come with us, and together we worked, we laughed, we cried, and together with the help of the women who also volunteered, we supported the families, the children and the community come to terms with the loss of 45 young lives.

Without these dedicated people who willingly gave up their time and holidays to work with us as a team we would not have been able to do and achieve the things we did in the community of Mirasorai. Through coming together as a group we learnt what made our team work effectively and cohesively, and also what separated us. Thankfully the team spirit and the vision of why were a team enabled us to move through challenging times, great humour and storytelling were great night time companions.

Part of the team

Mark, Rihar, Filipe, Pial, Munmun, Ruma

Shishir, Saimun, Ridom, Choity

To be a member of a team takes a special kind of empathy to think and feel beyond one's self

DTWA - Asia

2012-01-02T15:46:00.000-08:00

Mark, Saimun, Filipe

It was with great pleasure that on our last day in Chittagong we created, with our newly made friends from Jahangirnagar University (near Dhaka), the Asia Branch of Dynamic Theatre World Association (DTWA). Pictured here with us is Saimun, he along with his and our friends, Shishir, Pial, Rythm, Choity and Munmun, will help us create a stronger presence initially in Bangladesh with plans to spread outwards into other parts of Asia.

Our plans are to continue our work and visits to Mirarsorai and other parts of Bangladesh to assist the children, the families and the community as much as we can.

We would like to thank you for all your support in enabling us to work with this small community in the south of Bangladesh. We know that it is the children's and the family's wish for us to pass onto you their deepest gratitude for reaching out to them in their time of need.

Thank you!

Mark & Filipe

Dynamic Heart Bangaldesh - Portugues

2011-09-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

Um chamamento à Acção

(See next post below for English text)

De 30 de Setembro a 12 de Outubro

Distrito de Chittagong, Bangladesh

A 11 de Julho um veículo escolar carregado de alunos alegres, celebrando a vitória num jogo de futebol contra outra escola local, despistou-se em direcção a um rio, matando pelo menos 42 estudantes.

http://tv.ibtimes.com/bangladesh-bus-crash-kills-at-least-53-school-boys/1197.html

Mostafa Jatra, do Teatro Unido para a Acção Social (UTSA), escreveu-nos, pedindo ajuda terapêutica para os funcionários e alunos que estão a sofrer com o luto e o trauma da situação. Uma das vantagens de Mostafa é que ele acredita que o teatro e a dramatização são grandes formas de ajudar estas crianças e adultos a lidar com o seu sofrimento. Ele escreveu que numa turma que perdeu 12 alunos, as crianças que sobreviveram não sabem como lidar com o sentimento pesado de perda e culpa por terem sido eles a sobreviver. A escola já não é um lugar alegre para se estar.

UTSA é uma pequena ONG (Organização Não Governamental) em Chittagong que tem pegado em vários projectos para ajudar pessoas em dificuldades, incluindo teatro para consciência pessoal, educação em favelas, puclicações em Braille da língua Bengla e trabalho com deficientes físicos e com aqueles que sofrem de doenças mentais.

O Projecto Coração Dinâmico é um projecto que leva o Teatro Dinâmico e outras artes e terapias criativas até outras partes do mundo onde este tipo de trabalho não está normalmente disponível. No ano passado uma equipa formada por quatro pessoas esteve no Nepal a trabalhar com crianças que tinham sido envolvidas na guerra civil ou simplesmente tinham sido abandonadas nas ruas. Foi uma experiência muito profunda. O Coração Dinâmico surge de um sonho em levar o Teatro Dinâmico às crianças. Por favor clique em 2010 *blog archive* para ver a reportagem completa do nosso última projecto no Nepal.

Agora o chamamento surgiu de novo para que desta vez vamos trabalhar com crianças que perderam os seus amigos da escola, professores que perderam os seus pequeninos, e uma comunidade que chora a perda de parte da próxima geração.

Nós viajaremos para o Bangladesh onde, durante 12 dias, trabalharemos com crianças, funcionários e comunidade local.

O Projecto Coração Dinâmico é um projecto auto-sustentado que precisa de apoio de pessoas caridosas da comunidade em cada missão. Nós precisamos de criar fundos para a viagem e também para fazer uma doação à escola para que consiga continuar o trabalho depois de termos voltado. www.dynamicheartproject.com

Nós precisamos criar £7000 (cerca de 8000€) para cobrir o “Coração Dinâmico Bangladesh”. Para vos dar uma ideia de como acreditamos ser possível, basta que 350 pessoas doem £20 (25 euros ou 35 dolares).

Não estabelecemos qualquer valor mínimo. Cada pessoa oferece aquilo que entender ser o melhor.

Pode fazer a sua doação através de PayPal, clicando no botão “Donate” no final desta página.

Se preferir fazer uma transferência bancária em euros:

Nome da Conta: Mark Wentworth

NIB - Número de Identificação Bancária (Banco BPI)

0010 0000 39439730001 14

Esta é uma forma de todos nós fazermos a diferença. Nós seremos a extensão dos vossos braços e das vossas intenções. Através de nós, todos podem ser parte deste projecto.

Obrigado por serem parte deste sonho.

Com profunda gratidão,

Filipe e Mark

“Uma ideia que é desenvolvida e posta em prática

é mais importante do que uma ideia que existe apenas como uma ideia”

Buda

www.dynamicheartproject.com

Chittagong, Bangaldesh

2011-08-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

DYNAMIC HEART BANGLADESH

A Call to Action!

30th September - 12th October

Chittagong District, Bangladesh

On 11th July a school bus packed with happy school children, celebrating a win at a football match with another local school, tragically crashed down a hillside into a river, killing at least 42 students.

http://tv.ibtimes.com/bangladesh-bus-crash-kills-at-least-53-school-boys/1197.html

Mostafa Kamal Jatra from Unite Theatre for Social Action (UTSA) wrote asking for therapeutic help for the staff and students of Abu Torab Bahumukhi High School who are suffering with grief and trauma. One of the great things about Mostafa is that he knows that theatre and drama are a great way to help these children and adults to work with their grief. He writes that in one class alone they lost 12 students, the children who did survive do not know how to cope with the depth of feeling of loss and survivor's guilt, they feel school is no longer a joyful place to be.

UTSA is a small local NGO in Chittagong that has undertaken various projects to help disadvantaged people, including theatre for social consciousness, slum education, braille publishing in Bengla and work with the physically disabled and those suffering from mental illness.

Mostafa who is the founder and director of UTSA has reached out to seek help for the school in Misarai.

Dynamic Heart Project was created by myself (Mark Wentworth) and Filipe De Moura, it is a project to take Dynamic Theatre ( www.dynamictheatre.com ) and other creative arts and therapies out into parts of the world where this kind of work is not normally available. Last year four of us worked in Nepal working with abandoned children and those children who had been caught up in the civil war. See further down on this site for a report of our work there. Dynamic Heart was created from a dream where I was clearly told that children knew about and were waiting for Dynamic Theatre. Through Dynamic Heart Project we made that dream a reality.

Now the call has come again for us this time to go and work with the children who have lost school friends, teachers who have lost bright young students, and a local community that mourns the loss of the next generation.

On 30th September myself and Filipe will travel to Bangladesh for 12 days to work with the children, the staff, and the local community.

As our project is a community project we need to create the funds for the trip and also to be able to make a donation to the school to be able to continue the work after we have gone.

We need to create £7000 to cover "Dynamic Heart Bangladesh" to give you an idea of how easy we believe it will be, all we need is 350 people to each donate £20 (25 euros or 35 US dollars).

You can donate via PayPal by sending it to mark@colourforlife.com or click on the "Donate" button at the bottom of this page.

Bank transfer: €'s or UK £'s please email me for bank transfer details - mark@colourforlife.com

Thank you for being part of our dream.

With deepest gratitude

Mark & Filipe

"An idea that is developed and put into action
is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea"

Buddha

Time to fly

2010-08-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

On our way to Nepal

On 27th March 2010, Aarti, Filipe and Mark left London Heathrow heading for Kathmandu via Delhi. In the early hours of 28th March, Katarina left Kuala Lumpa en route to Nepal. All heading for an adventure, a new experience, a place near the top of the world.

In the following posts you will find the story of our trip to Nepal. We have posted photos which we feel best express the work and the people we met in Kathmandu and the surrounding area.

This trip would not have been possible without your help. Thank you, Thank you.

We were able to make a donation to Ghar Sita Mutu close to £3000, which Beverly, the owner of the home will put to very good use in updating books in the classroom as well as much needed security for the home. If you would like to continue to donate directly to Ghar Sita Mutu please go to www.gharsitamutu.com

We hope you enjoy the photos and our stories and feel part of the experience of Dynamic Heart Project Nepal.

Again thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Aarti, Filipe, Katarina, Mark

Dynamic Heart Team Nepal

Welcome to Kathmandu

2010-08-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

A warm and friendly welcome at Ghar Sita Mutu

Prayers

2010-08-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Early morning prayers at Bhouda Stupa, Kathmandu

The following poem by Marianne Williamson is the Dynamic Heart Project mission and prayer.

"In every nation there is work to be done,

In every community there are wounds to heal,

And in every heart there is the power to do it"

We took this thought with us to Kathmandu, and never is there a truer place than Nepal to see this poem and prayer in action.

Filipe says

2010-08-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home

Filipe's thoughts on Nepal

When I accepted the challenge of going to Nepal to work with children, I knew that I was going to learn at least as much as I could help. I was right.

When we arrived in Kathmandu, the sun couldn’t shine bright because of the smoke curtain over the city, the poor streets were full of cars, motorbikes, and garbage. Things seemed out of order, the traffic was crazy. This was my first impression.

As we started to make contact with people, I found that this was a country where the heart could communicate to other hearts. It was not about hugs and kisses, it was about Love.

It’s not that I’ve seen people showing too much affection gestures towards each other, it was the warm way that people communicated with.

The name Ghar Sita Mutu makes all the sense: A house with heart. That’s what I would call to Nepal. It was a country where I felt at home.

The work with the children from the different centres and schools was fantastic. To a western person, it’s amazing how discipline and respect are still valued by the children and young people in Nepal. They could teach a lot to the western children.

Even if we were aware of the difficult life situations of many children, I could only see them as special children, rather than heartbroken, by all the love, energy, awareness and great intentions that they shared with me.

If my inner child was wounded, these children have shown me that it’s possible to change our situation and fight for what is really important.

For all of these reasons and for many more, I feel that I’ve got a family in Nepal.

Thank you.

Filipe

Aarti reports

2010-08-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Getting into the swing of things

Aarti's reflections on Nepal

I have been deeply humbled by my experiences in Nepal - so much so that a part of me still remains there even on returning back to England.

It was in Nepal that I came to really understand that one undertakes two journeys in life - the physical journey of the body through time and space, and the internal journey of the heart and soul which at times can be more challenging. There are moments in one's lives when we are deeply touched, inspired, or enriched - for me one of those moments was at Ghar Sita Mutu - "The House With A Heart" and does it have HEART!!

It was here that Beverly's Children taught me - they have been my greatest teachers and it was here that I was proud to be their student gaining a wealth of knowledge from the wisdom of their tender and sometimes wounded young hearts. Despite what many of them have been through they still knew how to remain open, to share, to forgive, to be compassionate, to radiate joy, to laugh, to play, to dance and to love.They welcomed me with their beautiful smiles and embraced me in their loving hearts and into their big family as if I always belonged with them.

These Children taught me to look deep within my own heart where I found a joy that I never expected but one that I believe every human has the potential to feel if they too looked deep inside. I feel that we will remain connected forever [despite the physical distance between us] and for that I am eternally grateful.

Beverly - you have given so much and you have taught me about unconditional kindness. You show that kindness in not a process in the head, or a though but kindness is lived out in what you do. Thank you for teaching me to be aware and to be awakened.

Lots of love

Aarti
x

Nepal, the true wisdom of the heart

2010-08-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Let me entertain you

Katarina's reflections on Nepal

Nepal felt like a very special land. A home to special little people but was also a cradle to heart wisdom that so lovingly enveloped us. I deeply felt this joyful wisdom that was shared from heart to heart without limits, differences or discrimination. It was permeating everyone and everything it surrounded. It was feeding and balancing the warm love that was twinkling in little ones eyes.

When children looked at us, we felt their appreciation and love They could sense we were there for them and they embraced us unconditionally. They offered us their acceptance, their love - everything. Their little souls were bejeweled with precious, priceless qualities, that made them richer than most of the people I know. O A lot of the time this was balancing out the extreme poverty or suffering they had to endure in their young lives. Their hearts were smiling, though behind the sparkle of their eyes one could sense some of them may have a heavy burden to carry. It was amazing to see them work so hard and so well, it was rewarding beyond words to see them benefit and brighten up from spending time with us.

For me, I treasure the time they and their teachers shared with us every moment of every day. A part of my heart and soul is still and probably will stay forever in Nepal. When we were leaving they looked into our eyes and asked us to come back with great sincerity and hope in their hearts. Inside mine, I felt the same. I would not want to let them down like they were let down by many in their young lives. It was obvious how much it would mean to them if they saw us again, and it was clear as sky how much all of them and what we shared meant to me. They are a part of me and will stay with me forever. Hopefully we can make it back one day.

Ghar Sita Mutu truly is a home with a huge heart. It is housing little gems that make their home sparkle beyond this world. Their brave hearts carry love, wisdom and warmth that are limitless, extending beyond boundaries of our daily existence. It touched our hearts and now we are linked in eternity forever. So are all of you, who supported this project and helped selflessly, now linked with invisible cords of this unique experience, it could not happen without you.

Aarti, Mark and Fillipe, without you this experience would not have the life and shape that it had.

Finally Beverly, without your enormous heart and generosity of spirit, your home for children and this project would not become the enriching and precious reality we had a privilege to experience.

With gratitude,

Katarina

Dynamic Heart Nepal Team

2010-08-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Filipe, Katarina, Aarti, Mark

Mark reflects on Nepal

Nepal and the Dynamic Heart Project started with a dream 3 years ago, when I was told very clearly that the children were waiting for Dynamic Theatre. I was told in my dream that the children, which I understood also meant the child within every adult, knew about Dynamic Theatre, and again were waiting for us. Now three years on that dream was realised in Kathmandu and Nepal. That dream could not have happened without the support of everyone involved, to which I am truly grateful and give heartfelt thanks for the time, the donations and any help however big or small that you have given for us to be able to share Dynamic Theatre with the children in Nepal. You were with us every step of the way.

Aarti and Katarina thank you for having faith in the vision of the work, even though at times tested by the cockroaches scampering across your bedroom floor in the middle of the night. And Filipe, I think little did we know the full potential of what we created back in 2003 when Dynamic Theatre first came into being. Looking back I believe it is the love in our hearts that enables us to be the dutiful and respectful guardians of Dynamic Theatre. This journey of the heart alongside Dynamic Theatre and the Dynamic Heart Project would not have been possible if we did not share the same vision of making a difference in the world, thank you for sharing the journey and for believing in the dream, long may it continue.

As time got closer for us to go to Nepal I wondered how the work would be, how the children would be, I had heard so many stories of the children, not only as orphans and child labour but also as children caught up in the recent civil war used as gun runners and put on the front line. How would they be and how would they react to Dynamic Theatre?

When we first landed and entered into Kathmandu I was a bit overwhelmed by all that it was, all the dust, the pollution and lots and lots of people everywhere. When we stopped in traffic I noticed all eyes were in our direction, and the children smiled and shouted "hello" and when we answered back they ran off laughing. I later found out that westerners are known as the "hello people" as very often it's all they say and it's quite a game for children to share with their friends that they said hello to a "hello person".

When we met the children from Ghar Sita Mutu it was like meeting friends, the warmth and the smiles really made Ghar Sita Mutu live up to it's name of being a house with a heart. As we got to know the children more and they us I got to understand what it means to be with an open heart, these children whom have lived through events none of us would care to experience in a lifetime show nothing but kindness and a desire to help each other. Of course at times the scars can be seen but for the children the light of their souls shines far brighter.

We travelled out of Kathmandu to work in another home for 3 days, we were again greeted by smiling faces, laughter and singing. The gift of these children is their desire to make their world a better place, I think most of us agreed that a lot of western children could learn so much from the children of Nepal. They do not care if their trainers are Nike or Addidas, they are just appreciative of having something to wear on their feet. It soon became clear to us all that it was the children who were the true teachers, we had just fallen asleep somewhere along the way. On occasion I was unable to say anything as I was overcome with emotion as to the depth of feeling and openness the children showed towards us. Many times I heard the children saying how they wouldn't forget us and how grateful and how much they appreciated the time we had spent with them, for them that small amount of time was precious and worth far more than any X-box or Playstation, for me there wasn't enough time, I was just pleased we were able to give what we were able.

Of course we did not expect to change their lives in 2 weeks but my hope is that somehow we made a difference, maybe we didn't change their lives but they certainly changed mine. It's said that home is where the heart is, so be sure that you will always find home in Nepal.

To all the children we met in Nepal - thank you, it was truly an honour and a gift to meet and share with you. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

To all who donated, in whatever way, time or money, thank you. I hope you enjoy the following photos of Dynamic Heart Nepal.

With gratitude

Mark

Capital City

2010-08-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu

This is a typical street scene from Kathmandu, to the western eye it may look uncivilised and its people in need of rescuing. Whilst the city is very polluted by the continuous burning of plastic for the fires for cooking and a form of heating in the winter, do not be disillusioned the people of Kathmandu and Nepal do not need rescuing, help, yes. It is almost impossible to feel alone in Kathmandu as there are so many people, a lot who want to sell you something, but behind the selling is a warm smile. Despite the atrocities of the civil war, and some of the hardship of daily living, look close enough and listen in-between the hustle and bustle of the cars, buses and bikes, and you will feel the beating of the true Nepalese heart, a heart which is strong and able to guide and nurture its people and as solid as the mountain range that runs through the veins of this magnificent country. If you want to come face to face with your own heart, then come to Nepal and know its strength reflected back to you in every face you see.

Ghar Sita Mutu

2010-08-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

A house with a heart and a place to let your potential soar and fly

Everyone's involved

2010-08-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

My heart will go on

Beverly Bronson (pictured) is the creator and owner of Ghar Sita Mutu, if it wasn't for her vision and compassion these children would not have the lives they have today. Thank you Beverly for being an inspiration to us all, with just a little bit of faith, a vision, and a big heart we can achieve anything we set our hearts to. All we need to do is take the risk and jump into the dream.

Best foot forward

2010-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Making the right step

By involving all the children from Ghar Sita Mutu everyone one benefits from introductory games. Our first day with the children was spent outside in the garden making theatre games and stories. Our intention is to always be as actively involved as possible to be able to meet the children on an equal level, to enjoy and have fun whilst offering a safe container for children to explore and grow.

Help for all

2010-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

A little help for our friends

Every Saturday a group of volunteer vets go to Bhouda Gate in Kathmandu to take care of some of the stray dogs. Although some of the dogs can be a bit unfriendly to some people, they seem to have a sixth sense about the volunteers. They freely let them pick them up and stand patiently while they are washed with antiseptic shampoo and a general check-up. The volunteer vets also travel to other parts of the city on a weekly basis as well. Everyone gets a little help in Nepal.

Anyone can fly

2010-08-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine you can fly

Filipe worked with the younger children in this session to inspire them to create a drama all about the colour red and how they would attract the other children to come and join the "red group" By helping children to believe in their imagination we help to create the makers of change for tomorrow. Think of it like this, everything you see in this photo started once upon a time in someone's imagination.

Smiles all round

2010-08-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is smile

Dynamic Theatre is all about remembering the happiness and wisdom that is already inside of you. Through active imagination and play making we build confidence and encourage the children to go beyond the boundaries of who they think they are to knowing their fullest potential.

Sound of music

2010-08-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Let's start at the very beginning...

Filipe - lead singer/guitarist, Mark - supporting vocals and part of the audience, Aarti & Katarina - backing singers/dancers. We had a great afternoon sitting in the garden with the children of Ghar Sita Mutu singing and playing music, learning from each other Nepali songs and western music. Being a talented singer Filipe was able to share his passion for music with the children who just loved to learn new songs, as well as Filipe learning to sing part of the Nepalese national anthem.

No words

2010-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the image just says it all

Early play

2010-08-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Every child knows how to play no matter where they are

Let's play

2010-08-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

Explaining Dynamic Theatre

Schooling is not free in Nepal therefore a lot of parents are unable to send their children to school. Ghar Sita Mutu offers a free 2 hour class, monday to thursday, in basic education. Nabina is supported by Ghar Sita Mutu to continue her valuable teaching, class age range is from 4 to 13 years old. A lot of the 12 and 13 year old girls attending the class are already working as housekeepers and servants in order to support their family.

Nabina explaining to the class how we will work and play with the games of Dynamic Theatre.

Anyone can imagine

2010-08-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Theatre's youngest player

At just 4 years old this little girl was able to play the game of "magic skittles" and tell everyone how she felt the green skittle would make her strong. Each skittle represented a different quality, green = strength, yellow = courage, and pink = love. The wisdom that came from these children is beyond words.

Something of my own

2010-08-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

A book to take home

Most of the time the children of the daily class are only able to draw and write whilst attending the class, all materials stay behind. With some of the money raised we decided to buy each child a drawing/writing book and coloured pencils, so they could continue drawing and writing at home. For many this was the first time they had something of their own. Thank you for contributing to the continued creativity of these children both in the classroom and at home.

So long, farewell

2010-08-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

So long, farewell, but never goodbye

The local children going home from their morning class at Ghar Sita Mutu. We requested that some of the donation money we raised go towards buying books and writing materials to support the children's learning and the continuation of this free class at Ghar Sita Mutu.

Going out of town

2010-08-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Typical Nepalese style house in the country

The average annual wage in Nepal is between £150 - £200 per year. It is considered to be amongst the poorest countries in the world, and yet it is rich in so many other ways. Even though by Western comparison the standard of living is very low, we actually saw and met more smiling and happy people in Nepal than we sometimes do in the so called western civilized world.

Outside Kathmandu

2010-08-21T10:33:00.001-07:00

Surrounding countryside of CWIN Peace Home

Welcome to CWIN Peace Home

2010-08-21T09:28:00.001-07:00

"Welcome to CWIN"

CWIN is a Nepalese based organisation helping for the rights of children to be children. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to be invited and welcomed into the home and hearts of the children at CWIN.

A place to stay

2010-08-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

A home to support and house some of the displaced children of Nepal

Tell me who you are

2010-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Who am I"

Introducing ourselves to some of the children at CWIN Peace Home in Panouti. We all have a story to tell of who we are and where we come from, sharing our story gives us a sense of belonging and a way to reach out to those we are meeting for the very first time.

Let's create a story

2010-08-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Once upon a time..."

Letting children choose their own story and play builds confidence and esteem, both individually and for co-operating with others.

Too much sun

2010-08-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Katarina demonstrating that an umbrella is not just for the rain

Becoming Orange

2010-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

"If you were orange how would you act"

Katarina and her group deciding how to be and present the colour orange.

Group play

2010-08-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

"Imagine you are ......"

With Dynamic Theatre all you have to do is imagine, and then anything is possible.

Sunset over CWIN Peace Home

2010-08-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Beautiful end to our first day at CWIN Peace Home

Panauti local school

2010-08-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Introducing the group

Aarti, Filipe and Katarina introducing themselves and Dynamic Theatre to the local school children. Laughter and play is an important part of Dynamic Theatre, it helps to keep the imagination fresh and active, whatever your age.

Colour Play

2010-08-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Colour Play

A Dynamic Theatre game of acting as if you are a colour.

Walking in the countryside

2010-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

An early morning walk in the countryside

Testing the water

2010-08-21T07:47:00.001-07:00

Filipe testing to see how cold the water is coming down from the Himalayas

Happy Times

2010-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Theatre makes you smile!

CWIN Group

2010-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

CWIN Children

This is our group goodbye after 3 days staying and getting to know all the wonderful children and staff who lived here.

Child Haven - Kathmandu

2010-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and working with some of the children from the house called "Child Haven" which is a 20 minute walk from Ghar Sita Mutu.

Leaving Kathmandu

2010-04-29T13:08:00.001-07:00

A grand goodbye from Everest and the Himalayas

2010-04-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Heart Movie

2010-03-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to be able to share with you the movie that Filipe created for "Dynamic Heart Live" It is made up of various images and film clips that we believe express the essence of the work to be done in Nepal. The movie is made up of two parts and after watching part 1 here please scroll down to continue watching part 2. Make sure you have the sound turned on to enjoy the fullness of this presentation.

On behalf of Aarti, Filipe, Katarina and myself I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making Dynamic Heart Live a wonderful evening. We will take the energy and enthusiasm of the night with us to Nepal next week.

Enjoy the movie.

Mark

Dynamic Heart Movie Part 2

2010-03-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Enjoy part 2

Dynamic Heart Live - March 7th

2009-11-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Make a date in your diary for Sunday 7th March when one of London's most known and intimate music venues opens it's doors to the Dynamic Heart Project. The Regal Room is situated minutes walk from Hammersmith Central station and is one of London's leading live music venues, it will now play host to a very special evening event for the Dynamic Heart Project.

The evening will be bring awareness to the aims of Dynamic Heart Project and our forthcoming trip to Nepal to work with abandoned children and destitute women using drama, storytelling, music, and other creative therapies. "The Dynamic Heart Project is a sparkling light to illuminate the best of each community" says co-founder Filipe De Moura

Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be the very talented Tony Moore.

The evening will bring to life a mix of culinary delights followed by magical musical treats from our very own Filipe de Moura who will entertain and swoon you through opera classics to his own special rendition of Sinatra and Big Band classics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-VafCDTuZ4

The aim and intention of the evening is to raise awareness of the mission for the Dynamic Heart Project as well as raising funds to buy solar panels to be able to give continuous electricity for the home of the children in Kathmandu.

We will have exclusive and exciting items for auction on the night, including a framed signed football shirt from the best football player of all times, the one and only Pelé, also a limited edition framed gold plated disc from the King of rock n roll, the man himself, Elvis Presley. If that isn't enough you can also bid for a McTimoney chiropractic session with Aarti Shah (Nepal Team member) or a Dynamic Theatre consultation with DT founders Mark & Filipe, or even a personalised "Colour for Life" painting by Filipe.

This is an exclusive event with a limited number of seats still available. If you would like to book for yourself and friends please let us know. For this one off special event ticket price is just £55 which includes a two course dinner. Chicken, Fish and a Vegetarian options available.

So dust off the jewellery, get out the glad rags and get ready for an event not to be missed and one that will be the talk of the town for months after.

For bookings and tickets please contact: Mark Wentworth - mark@dynamicheartproject.com or +44 (0) 7949 282 384

Aarti Shah: - aartishah22@hotmail.com or +44 (0) 7985 369949

The Regal Room

The Distillers

64 Fulham Palace Road

Hammersmith

London W6

The Dynamic Heart Team

2009-11-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Dynamic Heart Nepal Team

Katarina Bhoopal, Mark Wentworth, Filipe De Moura, Aarti Shah

In October the four of us met in Peniche, Portugal to discuss plans for Nepal. It was here the idea for the Dynamic Heart concert came to life.

Donations

2009-08-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."

John W. Whitehead

If you would like to make a donation to our Nepal project there are many ways you can do this:

1) If you have a Paypal account you can send your donation to mark@colourforlife.com

2) If you would like to make a donation via credit card or in a currency other than UK pounds please send an email to mark@colourforlife.com stating the amount you would like to donate. I will then send you an invoice via email and Paypal for that amount.

3) If you would like to pay by UK cheque please make them payable to

'Mark Wentworth' and send to: 90 Grayson House, Radnor Street, London EC1V 3SS

We thank you all for your contributions and for enabling us to offer something back to the community. In your generosity you are also contributing to making a difference.

With Gratitude.

Mark, Filipe, Katarina, Aarti

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,

yet we forget that he is someone today"

Stacia Tauscher

Nepal, April 2010

2009-08-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

"There is no delight in owning anything unshared"

Seneca - Roman Philosopher

In April 2010 four of us will be heading off to Kathmandu, Nepal. This exciting journey will take Dynamic Theatre to Ghar Sita Mutu, a home for abandoned children, where it is our intention to offer assistance to the women, children and staff. We will also be offering workshops to other homes, schools and aid organisations. Included in our workshops will be a combination of Dynamic Theatre, sound healing structural realignment, touch therapies and confidence building.

The Dynamic Heart Project Nepal Team:

Mark Wentworth - Founder of Dynamic Theatre/Structural Theatre
Filipe De Moura - Co-Founder of Dynamic Theatre /Tenor/Painter
Katarina Bhoopal - Therapist/Far East Dynamic Theatre Co-ordinator
Aarti Shah - McTimoney Chiropractor/Co-Founder Structural Theatre

The Dynamic Heart Project is entirely voluntary and on a charity basis, whereby we are in the process of setting up fundraising events from concerts in London, to giving a percentage from our individual sessions and workshops as well as asking individuals and organisations for donations and sponsorship.

Filipe is not only a professional Tenor but also a very gifted painter. He has just completed a commission for Aarti and Mehul (Aarti's husband) to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. This painting is a combination of Aarti and Mehul's name colours (see www.colourforlife.com
for more information) inspired by Shamanic art and created into a "unique" masterpiece. A percentage of each commission will go towards The Dynamic Heart Project.

We have eight months to raise funds to cover our expenses and make a substantial donation to Ghar Sita Mutu. If you are able to raise funds on our behalf through coffee mornings, sponsored walks, car boot sales etc, it will be greatly appreciated.

For commissions of art, fundraising events, organisations and individual donations please contact: mark@colourforlife.com

"The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions"

Anon

The Dynamic Heart

2009-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

The idea for The Dynamic Heart Project first came about in 2008, with the intention of taking Dynamic Theatre into parts of the world that would not normally have access to such methods.

Dynamic Theatre (DT) was founded in 2003, by myself, Mark Wentworth and Filipe De Moura. Both of us share a desire and a passion to make a difference in the world. It is our belief that Dynamic Theatre can be a way to achieve this mission. DT is inspired by Psychodrama, Shamanism and Systemic Therapies, it is an "action method" using spontaneous drama to help people understand the underlying issues which run through their lives today. Dynamic Theatre is being taught in many parts of the world. It is a technique which offers hope, inspiration and resolution to the challenges of daily living facing young and old throughout the world today.

For me the creation of Dynamic Theatre was for it to be very much a part of community living. The Dynamic Heart Project gives us the opportunity to share our skills and give inspiration to those who are not able to express their hopes and dreams due to life circumstances.

Everyone involved with these projects feels it is an honour and a privilege to give something back to the World Community, to which we all belong.

"A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home.

You the people must give it this home."

Pope John Paul II