Who wouldn’t want to be in an action-packed movie, playing a hero?
Well most of us would rather not perform in front of a camera but when we watch our favourite movies, we can relate to the characters on screen. We can imagine being in that story and we all fantasise that we can do extraordinary things: be in space or climb a mountain, survive a battle and win or be a real hero.
Children dream of being in exciting adventures but rarely get that opportunity to play the hero in real life rather than on a screen.
Before gaming consoles, as children, we used to play games with our friends. We were defending a fort as Cowboys and Indians or soldiers fighting the enemy. We would imitate our TV and film heroes in Star Trek, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, be James Bond, Superman or Wonder Woman. If you got “killed”, you could get up after a few minutes and carry on, because you were indestructible.
And what did we gain from playing together in this free and random way? Self-esteem, being part of a team, achieving something together, using our imagination, discovering our skills, learning what was fair…
For years I have given children the chance to do that – to be in their own unique adventure with others who are simply reacting in real time without planning or working to a script.
To help them on their way, I play them dramatic music, a film score (not one they already know) to listen to and imagine what is going on as if they are watching a film.
Then I invite them to BE in that “film”. They join with others, share their stories, join them together and reenact them with the music as the exciting, dramatic score.
And what do they gain from collectively being in their own adventure movie? Self-esteem, being part of a team, achieving something together, using their imagination, discovering their skills, learning what was fair… and so much more.