Biomonologues: Creating a Theatrical Self-portrait for Self-Knowledge. A Body Expression and Creative Writing Intervention in Foreign Women Residents of the South Caribbean, Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction: This work is the discussion of the results found in a study carried out with foreign women residing in the Costa Rican South Caribbean, who participated in three practical workshops (scenic labs). Development: The study was developed during three years with two pilot plans, three scenic labs and a year of dramaturgical research. The main purpose was to apply a methodology that combines various dances, theater improvisation, meditation techniques and creative writing, to explore theatrical autobiographies. Each workshop lasted nine sessions, once a week and ninety minutes. The age of the participants ranged from 35 to 70 years old. Conclusion: Benefits related to self-vindication, self-confidence, catharsis and a high level of sorority within the three groups are reported. The expressive work has a great potential to transform emotions that the women carry into rhythm, movement, poetry or performance. It is in this space between stimulus and reaction that women discover their power of choice.