Center stage

• Source: Global Times
• [22:22 October 11 2010]
• Comments

Middle school students in a participatory theater workshop in Sichuan.

"When she did that she suddenly realized her husband's opinion was different from her as they had different perspectives. In her head there was like this shift in her understanding," Watson said. "Before, she was thinking that 'my husband just tried to make me go home.'"

"It's not my job or the job of the workshop to tell people the answer…We all experience challenges, personal and social challenges," Watson added. "It's really about helping people just think about it and talk about it…I think we actually know sometimes in our heart the solution for a problem. People can have their own self respect, ways to solve the challenges they are facing, sometimes by reflecting on them."

She said that in this way, art is very powerful. "It really helps understand people, human nature, understand deeper things of life. Art, theatre, music, always help reflect on the experience of being a human.

"People understand the skills you try to build like confidence, communication, teamwork, leadership. We try to discuss that during workshops."

Dong Fen, Hua Dan's first full-time employee and now the operations manager, was a long-time participant in Hua Dan's workshops before she joined the charity in 2007. Working as a waitress and beautician, she said it was Hua Dan's workshops that allowed her to gain respect, confidence and freedom to express herself and apply her ability.

Now speaking fluent English, Dong said she dares to think about what she wants in life and is confident. "Both Caroline and Hua Dan have influenced me a lot. Things I thought were impossible before are now possible. Working with Hua Dan has brought fundamental change in me."