Minutes of the Autumn Meeting of MPS

MINUTES OF THE AUTUMN GATHERING OF THE
MORENO PSYCHODRAMA SOCIETY
HELD SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008, 2 – 5 PM

1. AGENDA
Hello and welcome to each other.
2. PRESENT:
Sue, Ted, Olga, Marie, Helen, Shani, Phil, Cheryl, Nikki, Gillian, Noa, Gavin and Patricia.
3. APOLOGIES:
Katrina, Lethe, Liliana, Joan, Margaret, Neil, John B and Tabitha
4. HISTORY:
Our history in action in relation to the world community of Psychodrama.
5. MEMBERSHIP: May 2008 – April 2009
Categories - 1) Accredited Members of PIM
2) Trainees/Colleagues
3) Friends of PIM
6 NEXT MEETING - WINTER GATHERING – Sunday, 1st June 2008, 2 – 5 pm

1. Welcome

The Meeting began with Sue reading Nikki’s poem on autumn. We warmed up with a lot of different responses about the seasons. For example, Helen spoke of her struggle about going to Tasmania and the conflict of wanting to be there and wanting to be here. She said she was happy to be in Tasmania but there was also something missing. She was obviously touched by being back in Melbourne and was finding it difficult to let go, but also she was pleased to be in touch with the source here. Shani spoke of the sadness she feels in autumn and adjusting and adapting to change. She said she loves summer, but spring was her favourite. Phil said he felt autumn was his favourite with the warm days and all the different colours of the leaves. Sue commented on the amazing variety of things that warm us up.

4. History

This meeting explored our place in the world of Psychodrama on a micro and macro level through action methods from our beginning meetings. We began as Friends of PIM in 2001 and remembered the great anticipation of our first meeting at Joan Murray’s house in Caulfield. We all felt excited and Nikki commented about the ‘possibility of something new’ happening under a tree. From there we pooled ideas to develop MPS and in time we organized conferences, a summer school and social occasions and many other activities. Within the Central Co-Ordinating Committee of MPS we developed a number of different pods such as the Education Pod, Creative Writing Pod, and many other pods. We traced the development of our Institute into the community and chartered its evolvement. From there the possibilities grew and grew as we took our skills out into the community and beyond. ‘Doors are quite open’ and in Morenian terms sociometry is happening all over the world.

J. L. Moreno established the IAGP in 1954 (see the previous article by Sue) and it is now spread all over the world. It is like an‘animated umbrella’ snowballing and expanding and impossible to stop. IAGP is an umberella organization for many associations and individuals in Russia, America, Japan, FEPTO, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and many other countries. The Moreno Psychodrama Society is now a Certified Member of the IAGP. Under this umbrella of IAGP are also the groupwork therapies, eg. Family Therapy and Freudian Therapy. Within the IAGP there has been a moving in and out, a ripple effect creating flexibility and connection and a sustaining of creativity and spontaneity with like-minded people – a rich diversity of experience in hundreds of organizations all over the world.

Ideas for the Moreno Society
1. More groups.
2. Creativity in whatever form. Generation of ideas and growth of these ideas.
3. Theatre of Spontaneity could be used as a theme or link, tracing this history.
This could be enacted in action at the Theatre or maybe Federation Square.
4. Car boot sale at Bulleen – maybe have choir sing there.
5. Expand the work through creative writing pods.
6. Letter of support for each other.
7. Chalk Board concert (September, Spring Gathering on a Monday night).
8. Play back theatre.
9. Explore PACFA at the next Meeting and the pros and cons of joining.
Some members in the group feel that this would be a real asset. Central Pod
will look at this idea at its next meeting and discuss with those interested.

5. MEMBERSHIP: New Categories
To be discussed at the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING – WINTER GATHERING OF THE MORENO SOCIETY
SUNDAY 1ST JUNE, 2008, 2 – 5 PM

Gillian Blackwell
25/03/08

Kath Kelly and Marie Watt invite you to...

Dreams and Psychodrama

Jung and Moreno meet!

This one-day workshop will be an opportunity to the explore language and drama of the soul through dream work and psychodrama.

Kath Kelly and Marie Watt are both psychodramatists. They work together with a deep respect for each other and for group members. Marie is an educator who values the land and the world of story, myth and dreams. Kath has a background in recreation, planning and management and has a passion for personal development through creativity and spontaneity.

Together Kath and Marie use a Jungian approach to dreams intertwined with Moreno’s psychodramatic method.

Saturday, 5 April 2008 from 10.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Cost: $135.00 (Deposit $50.00)

ONE OR TWO PLACES LEFT!

Bring something to share for lunch. Refreshments included.

Venue: Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne
155 Langridge Street, Collingwood.

Enquiries phone: (03) 9416 3779

David Chong invites you...

Come Kiss Brazilian Music!!!

Friday, 4th April 2008, 7 pm sharp
World Bar, Shop 4 Building 2 Riverside Quay Southbank
www.worldrestaurantbar.com.au
Free Entry

Great restaurant and bar is available!

Come and enjoy our original Brazilian music in this great venue in the middle of the Southbank precinct!

Inspired by the rich tapestry of Brazilian popular music this debut CD from Tatu Rei brings to its Australian audience a unique and captivating insight into this fascinating genre.
Tatu Rei is a five piece band playing exclusively original music, from afro Brazilian percussion to organic soulful bossa rhythms.

David Chong – originally from Brazil, David is the lead vocalist and founder of Tatu Rei. David has performed with leading musicians from the Brazilian genre including Doug de Vries, Neda Rahmani – percussion, John Moore – writer/percussion, Nick Carver – double bass, Nathan Slater – nylon string guitar and guest kit drummer - Mark Grunden

‘David Chong and Tatu Rei represents a new breed of talented and committed songwriters and musicians that take the post bossa aspects of musica brasileira and forge new ideas and sounds that are rich in melody, harmony and buoyant rhythms with a universal appeal. Bravo!’
– Doug de Vries

Check out www.taturei.com & http://www.myspace.com/taturei

Inspired by Friday 14 March Theatre of Spontaneity

A Poem by Phil Smalley:

A time for letting go

It is a time for letting go,
For letting go of time,
Of obligation, of all the have-to’s.

The sky meets the sea
Where there are no boundaries;
Silence welcomes me into its arms.

The ocean was and is and will be,
Like the changing sky
Sprinkled with stars by night

And by day, dappled with sleepy, soft clouds.

Gentle wavelets, barely heard, kiss the shore
As birds swoop and soar,
Their distant calls, a language
Known only to themselves.

And I, so small and yet,
Still a part of it all.

Phil Smalley
Theatre of Spontaneity
14th March 2008

A Poem by Nikki Alderman:

Starbroke at 5

Blue fading into blue
into sunlit curtains
spread fabric of pale
spilling out over the sea

A deep washing
that cleases the soul;
contained in a setting
Clouds that hold
earthly thoughts from above

Green folds below
stop the sinking
that might have occured once

The world holds its wonder
in the light that escapes between
the grass that grows through the toes
and the air behind me
that I could think I don't need

But i might fall
if not for the wonder and beauty
of it all.

The Theatre of Spontaneity on the 14th of March was a poetic, responsive creation of those peaceful moments and places that soothe the soul. We relaxed into ourselves and discovered that what we created together was breath and soul made and will live in each of us in enduring ways. I hope something of the poetry expressed finds its way into your lives as we share something of the creative spirit at work last Friday evening.

Nikki Alderman
Theatre of Spontaneity
14th March 2008

Sue and Ted's Excellent Adventure

In January 2008 Sue conducted several workshops at Innsbruck University in Austria for students enrolled in the psychodrama course and psychodrama trainers. Our adventures included exploring snowy villages and climbing the high mountain peaks (albiet with some cable car assistance). Here we are on the highest point on the mountain range around Innsbruck, the "Seegrube". Behind us is Northern Italy and below is the city of Innsbruck. This picture shows Sue wisely rugged up while I am frantically putting my gloves on - although it appears sunny and warm with the wind chill it is even colder than the -15 degree temperature. What fun!

Ted Bugarski

PS. By clicking on any photo in this blog, you can see the full size image.

An Invitation the Moreno Psychodrama Society Autumn Gathering

You are invited to the

Autumn Gathering of the Moreno Psychodrama Society

Where we will look at our place in the world of psychodrama,
using
sociodrama and our imagination.

On a micro and macro level, we will look at the world, community
and
ourselves, each person on their psychodrama journey.



Autumn free
Old ways shed for the anticipation anew
A chance to lay things bare
Exposed and full

The heat of summer still gently on the bough
Enough warmth to last
This letting go is easy
When the cycles are remembered
And the rhythm is allowed.

Nikki Alderman

Venue: PIM – 155 Langridge St, Collingwood

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 2 - 5 p.m

A delicious afternoon tea, a little wine, other cold drinks, sweet
and savoury things, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of tea.

RSVP to Sue, Nikki, Gillian or Patricia or telephone PIM – 94163779

Friends, colleagues welcome!

Vale: Mike Consedine

"There remains in me the sure and sacred knowledge that spontaneity is the only thing that will save the world. Thank you very much to the whole psychodrama community for what you have given me over 30 years. "

My Friend

I hold you in my heart
Most dear
Your shining light from yesteryear

And now you’re here
Amazing Grace
No time, no place

Just here within my heart and mind
Your soul
A spark of the Divine

My lovely friend
There is no end


Sue Daniel
8 March 2007


Mike died Friday afternoon at 4.30 p.m, 25 January 2008 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after a series of long illnesses.

A "gentle 'Irish' giant", Mike loved among many other things, 'The Pogues', Bruce Springsteen, poetry and psychodrama. One of his favourite writers was Canadian, Robertson Davies. Davies wrote "The Deptford Trilogy", among others and his writings explored the moral dimensions of life, the isolation of the human spirit, and humanity's growth from innocence to experience, and we had many long discussions about these novels.

A nurse, poet and psychodramatist, Mike worked with nurses using psychodrama in his role as supervisor and consultant and enjoyed teaching psychodrama. He liked a wee drop of whiskey but hated shopping. I remember once having the task of assisting him to buy a suit. I realised what a difficult job I was going to have, so I took him to David Jones menswear and found an exquisite cashmere jumper worth quite a sum. He looked at the price and then at me with horror and disbelief and said, "I'm not having that!" A little later on in Bourke Street, he found a very nice suit, with two pairs of trousers, free adjustment to the length for his height and a bow tie thrown in all for half the price of the cashmere sweater. Bringing home the booty, he looked at me with triumph!

So many stories Mike, Ted and I sat and had a glass of whiskey and told each other stories of our many adventures and times that we shared with you, into the twilight on the 26th, not quite an Irish Wake Mike but good enough and gentle.

Ted Bugarski and Mike Consedine: On our way to Hanmer Springs.

Moreno Psychodrama Society - February 2008 News

The Theatre of Spontaneity is on the last Friday in February, February 29 not 22 as is written on some flyers. In March, the date is set for March 14 due to Easter, its the third last Friday not second last, as is written in some flyers. The dates in the PIM program (orange booklet) are correct. Sue Daniel is conducting the February event and Nikki Alderman is conducting the March event.

The 1st Meeting for 2008 of the Moreno Psychodrama Society is on Sunday 16 March from 2 - 5 p.m. Included on the "action" oriented agenda is our recent joining as an affiliate organisation of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) and an exploration whether to take a further step in our long held aim to join PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). Of course, there will be afternoon tea, cakes as usual. Do bring something to add to the table. RSVP 9416 3779.

The Reading Group gets going Friday 29 February, (12.30 - 2 p.m) same day as the Theatre of Spontaneity (7.30 - 10.30 p.m). The announcement for the Reading Group, with details of this event is below. I am leading the first session and the subject I've chosen for discussion is:

"The Function of the Psychodramatic Director" - reference, pages 252 -259, Psychodrama Vol. 1 (1946) Student edition 1994.

There are five essential elements in the psychodrama method; the Protagonist, the Director, the Auxiliary Ego, the Audience and The Therapeutic Stage. In this session the focus is on the role of the Director. Dr. J. L Moreno, the founder of psychodrama maintained that the Director has three functions; producer, chief therapist (referred to and described by some as the role of the clinician) and social analyst.

If you are coming and require a copy of this material please notify us: pim@netspace.net.au

Reading Group - 4 Friday Lunchtimes in 2008

Convenor: Sue Daniel (9416 3779)

Meeting at 12:30 p.m for a 12:45 p.m start, these one-hour seminars are for those interested in the theory, practice and philosophy of J. L. Moreno, Zerka T. Moreno and other psychodrama writers and practitioners. The reading material is usually available two weeks before each meeting to enable optimal discussion. There is a donation of $10.00, which will be used to maintain the PIM library. Bring your own lunch, freshly brewed coffee, teas and biscuits are supplied.

Dates: 4 Fridays: 29 February, 30 May, 29 August & 24 October from 12.45 – 1.45 p.m.

Contact: PIM (94163779) to register your interest.

Venue: PIM, 155 Langridge Street, Collingwood

Psychodrama Blog

If you would like to send a note, make an announcement, send a picture, poem or write a book review, about something you are doing or have attended, bring yourself to the blog and let us know your experience.

With best wishes,

Sue Daniel

for the Central Co-ordinating Pod:

Sue Daniel, Nikki Alderman, Patricia Green and Gillian Blackwell (Australia)
Lethe Gaskin and Katrina Gaskin (New Zealand)

Happiness and Health in Work and Life

Psychodrama Personal Development Workshops

The purpose of these personal development groups is to develop greater strength and more effective relationships and the ability to live life in a creative and satisfying way. For brochures and enquiries: (03) 94163779.

Happiness and Health in Work and Life
4 Mondays per course, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m plus one Saturday, 10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Director: Sue Daniel

This group is for people who want to develop abilities and roles that will be conducive to living healthy and happy lives and to having satisfying and vital relationships. There is an opportunity to focus on unfinished business, minor conflicts of living and creating opportunities to develop new roles and perspectives.

February: Mondays, 4, 11, 18 & 25 February plus Saturday 16 February.
May: Mondays, 5, 12, 19 & 26 May plus Sunday, 25 May.
August: Mondays, 4 & 11 August, Saturday 16 August, Mondays, 18 & 25 August.

Venue: Downstairs grouproom at PIM

Fee: $350.00 per course (Deposit $50.00 due 2 weeks before each course.) An interview is necessary for anyone wanting to join.

Psychodrama with children and adolescent's working group

Greetings to Pim members,

I'd like to extend an invitation to you to join our newly formed interest group for people who are using psychodrama in their work with children and adolescents. Our first meeting is being held on Monday February 11 at PIM at 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the upstairs grouproom.

I work with children and young people in groups in schools and after school settings and would love to meet with others who are doing either individual or group work with children, young people and their families. I am hoping the interest group will be an opportunity for us to share our ideas, experience our creativity and to support each other in developing our psychodrama practice.

If you have any questions or plan on attending please contact me on 0411675597.

At this stage I am envisioning us meeting on a bi-monthly basis, but this is all open to discussion.

Please come along Monday and bring some food and your ideas to share. Tea and coffee provided.

Danielle Forer