DAPITAN CITY (PIA) – Seeking to give over 30 child laborers an avenue to express themselves and their struggles, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held a 2-day seminar-workshop on the basics of theatre on November 28-29, this city.
The seminar-workshop was held at the Amphitheatre in Dapitan’s City Hall and was conducted and directed by Jann Dainver L. Maravilla of Jose Rizal Memorial State University – Main Campus’s Teyatro Dasuliman.
“This is really trying to zero in on the zero-level capacity and exposure of the students,” said Maravilla. “I’m trying to expose them because theatre-making is not going to be an overnight, or even an over-hour thing.
The activities he arranged for the workshop had participants reaching in and getting in touch with their creative side as well as aimed to get them in-tune with their
“I think theatre will allow them to see things from their perspective about what’s going on that has been causing disturbances in their lives,” Maravilla explained.
His sessions incorporated acting, singing, and dancing into the exercises as well as impromptu and improv rounds encouraging participants to let their imagination soar.
“Through the arts, as e deepen their understanding of what’s going on, we believe that this is going to heal possible gaps, possible wounds, possible traumas,” said Maravilla.
“It’s been proven a lot of times, not only here in the Philippines but all over the world, how arts can heal.”
The Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial office also took part in the workshop, giving a brief lecture on the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol as well as a summary of children’s rights.
The workshop culminated with a recital wherein participants applied concepts and skills they learned throughout the 2-day event. This also served as DOLE’s culminating activity for National Children’s Month held every November of the year. (NBE/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
