#actionwork

Having little knowledge about such a huge event such as Glastonbury widened my eyes. Being chosen for a [possibly] once in a lifetime opportunity to work and create drama at Glastonbury Festival from 22nd June - 29th June 2014, under the company Actionwork. Initially, I thought for throughout the 7 days of being there it would be about the negative subject 'bullying'. However, it was refreshing to find out it wasn't JUST about 'anti bullying', but also how to boost your self-esteem and learn how to keep a positive attitude in a busy modern lifestyle. 

Throughout the week adventure, I have learnt and experienced so much from the actual festival lifestyle and also what I got taught by Dr Andy Hickson. Also, I have taken part in many different forms of artistic workshops from different styles of poetry to singing in acapella. It took me back to remember and release my inner child and what I naturally use to love doing (which was craft and art).

There are many areas that I would like to pin-point out as being the highlights of my week with the company. For starters, meeting new people is naturally easy, but other practitioners? I was nervous. But instantly I clicked with many of the members of the group that made me feel positive. After a few more days, I became closer to everyone. Also another activity we all took part in was the ritual, after everyone had a count of eight sequence, myself and Keeley were chosen to form a dance routine and direct the other ensemble. However, I also lack confidence with telling people what to do and I felt that no one listened to me and argued about my counting of eight. This brought me down as I felt I had failed myself on creating a piece of performance, but having a talk with Andy, he told me that I'm a natural dancer and I should pursue in movement and dance (which I am again). As I said before, the workshops also got me to explore other mediums. Keeley looked at groups singing a Flemmish song in cannon also breathing technique. Tom looked at natural pulses of everyday life and how Shakespeare used it in his sonnets or plays. Sophie taught us about haikus and many other types. Hannah also touched on poetry but writing about the two main characters in the situation of bullying (the bully and the bullied). Paul looked at emotions and a statement from each group (who was either the bully or the bullied). Dan who ran 'Who's line is it next?' and finally Kaia and Olivia looked at reflecting our emotions through painting and art. All these unique workshops reflected each and everyone's personalities and made me feel connected to them and myself intact. Additionally, having the chance to perform a forumed piece of theatre (Emma's Story) at the large tent in The Green Fields.

There is only two main areas of improvement that can be resolved and sorted out for next year's event. Firstly, the company members naturally out spoke one another or snapping at other members. This is found really put me down, I should take it with a pinch of salt, but I am naturally an emotional person and takes many things to heart. Also, many people in the group did not get to see the acts that they wanted to, I myself wasn't bothered but there was negativity around that area. Also, unfortunately, we were not able to perform Mobo's Story as the rain was horrendous; so instead we are performing it back at home in Torbay. 

Further more, I have never came back from a holiday to which I met new friends, filled memories and feeling good about my skin (which apparently looks beautiful?). If I were to go back again (PLEASE) is to pack more appropriate clothing (this was my first time camping) and also not to force myself to be with the others and go to bed at the time I want. I believe I fulfilled my aim and objectives for this week. As I took part and (tried) to be confident in holding my workshop but I came back feeling positive about myself more.

- To participate in and lead some anti bullying workshops and performances for the company Actionwork for seven days at Glastonbury Festival 2014. 

To develop myself to become a positive person.

To be confident in working or hold workshops.

To learn about myself from other member's workshops. 

Otherwise being at Glastonbury with Actionwork I have already felt positive about myself and love myself more. That's what Dr. Andy Hickson believes, is self control and love, won't harm others.      

Photos are copyrighted and are owned by Dr. And Hickson (http://www.actionwork.com), Cath Davis, Hayley Wetherall, Kaia Hickson and Abi Chalk.