Evaluation/ Final Blog Entry

For me, the construction process for 'Of The Spirit, Of The Will' has had its peaks and troughs. Definitely, the most rewarding and enlightening part of this experience was having the chance to work with people that I would otherwise have never encountered or who I would have ordinarily prejudged. I stated in one of my early blog entries that I "had never met a person with an intellectual handicap" and I was somewhat "uncomfortable" and "confronted" at the prospect of working with such persons. I can now honestly say that these apprehensions have evaporated, and at the risk of sounding Oprah-esque: their individual personalities life stories have eroded labels which I once stuck to them. I don't think that I sympathise with any of the COV members (as I initially) did because I feel that term is somewhat condescending after spending 12 weeks working with someone- I feel more empathetic or connected to them.
I suppose the negative aspect of this process for me is that I feel that I haven't reached anywhere near my creative potential. I can't say that I am satisfied with the final production of this play, in fact there are many scenes which I dislike, and I feel that I had very little to do and very little creative input. It pains me to say, but I believe that creating this blog was more stimulating than creating the performance.
Having said that, I realise that 'Of The Spirit, Of The Will' is not about me; it's about the COV members and it's whole point is to create an inclusive community where everyone stands on the same level of importance- regardless of their abilities.

I'd like to thank Myf for creating this community, and I'd like to congratulate the City Of Voices members for their courage and enthusiasm.



J+M+W+08