WORKSHOP REPORT: DRAMATURGY TO FLY

A workshop designed to explore and deepen the feminist content of the theatre show, “The Labyrinth of the Butterflies” took place on Sunday, August 3rd at the home of Anna Arroba’, a member of the national advisory board of Wings of the Butterfly. 

Ailyn Morera, the theatre show & dramaturgical director, who is in charge of the script writing process led the workshop. Morera, who suggested the name of the show, “The Labyrinth of the Butterflies,” presented the elements of the dramaturgy that she has developed and worked with the other participants revise the proposal. 

Photo by Margaret Thompson / Theatrical Director Ailyn Morera

Each participant emphasized the elements of dramaturgy that are well developed, including the portrayal of the characters of Lucy, Rosa Parks, Mileva Maric, Boc Dong Kim and the Weavers with “Celeste Strong & Brave.”. These advisors then presented their epistemological perspectives about the play:

• Anna Arroba, a feminist historian, discussed the story of patriarchy from the perspective of women’s bodies.  

Photo by Margaret Thompson / In the photo: María Suárez and Anna Arroba

• María Suárez presented her perspective on women and the paradigm of caretaking from her experience as author of the book, "Women: Metamorphosis of the Butterfly," on which the play is based.

• Margaret Thompson explained her point of view about how dance, music, images and drama are combined.
  

Photograph by Margaret Thompson

The workshop provided an open space for exchanging ideas about the final scenes of the play and the connections among the characters.

WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY 

Purpose:

To deepen the feminist content of the dramaturgical proposal of the play, “The Labyrinth of the Butterflies" been written by director Ailyn Morera.

Method:

Each advisor had previously read the draft of the dramaturgical proposal --the version which included María’s notes on red--, then made a brief presentation of 5 to 10 minutes with comments on the POSITIVE aspects contained in the current proposal and what could be considered as an ADDITIONAL conceptualizations to be dramaturgically addressed by the director.
            - The director, Ailyn Morera, explained her perspective and the elaboration process of the dramaturgy.
            - Each advisor made a presentation.
            - A space for the exchange of ideas was opened.
            - Maria closed with a summary.
 
Participants:

Dramaturgy: Ailyn Morera

Advisors: Alda Facio, Anna Arroba, Yarman Jiménez, María Suárez Toro

Photographer: Margaret Thompson