Power of shared spaces

For close to a decade, Power of Play has broken new ground when it comes to utilising performing arts for communication. Particularly well-known for its brilliant puppetry, the company has woven its magic into thousands of lives, via corporate training programs, workshops and performances for children and teenagers, and its well-known and respected issue-based theatre for communities.

Here Company Founder Sulochana Dissanayake talks about the ways in which Power of Play has adapted to the ‘new normal’ necessitated by the global pandemic, why what they do works well in any medium, and how her range of programs benefit adults, children, and everyone in between. Following are excerpts:

Q:  Was it easy to transfer what Power of Play does to the online medium? What were the challenges and how have you overcome them?

The main challenge was to wrap our heads around the medium – as we had never worked virtually before. But once we tried it out – as corporate webinars, Facebook Live videos and Zoom workshops – it became very clear that this is an equally attractive cousin of live shows. We were particularly blown away by the enthusiastic response we elicited from a global audience – that was something we hadn’t expected, and it really brought home to us the huge potential of the online medium.

Q:  What do you aim to deliver via the programs that you have designed for corporates?

 We deliver interactive corporate webinars on effective communication, emotional resilience, self-compassion and creative/critical thinking – all utilising art and drama. We also customise content according to organisational needs. 

We find that even though adults take more time to respond in this medium, they are ultimately invigorated by the programs, and find that they have learned things that go a long way to stabilise mental (and physical) health during these challenging times.

Q:  Why are programs like yours so vital particularly during times like these?

 We recognise that we are living in an unprecedented time, and that adults are facing the kind of stress that they never have before. Our core values are kindness, empathy and mutual respect, and we think now is a time that these qualities are needed more than ever. We also need to combat the isolation that so many of us face – so we all need to connect and work as one to pull through this. Our programs provide shared spaces to create together which is extremely empowering to the participants.

Q:  How and why do puppets have such universal appeal?

 Because puppetry has the ability to fascinate – and when you create your own puppets, the sense of achievement drives the discovery of everything this medium is capable of. Watching puppets virtually still can transform audiences – and getting them to engage in these performances with their own puppets, again, creates a sense of connection. This can drive the desired critical messaging designed for each virtual performance/webinar.

Q:  Do you also have special programs for children during this time?

 We have launched a second Zoom series for children aged 1-12 years. The sessions are presented in English and Sinhala, and the groups are divided up so that the content is delivered in the most engaging way based on age. These workshops are designed as a creative resource for parents working from home with children. Each workshop is curated and delivered by a professional artist(s), and aims to develop the creativity, critical skills and emotional intelligence of your child to enhance their resilience to face these uncertain times successfully. This series will run through November and December, every Tuesday and Thursday or until schools reopen (whichever comes first!).

For more information about Power of Play’s programs for adults and children visit www.powerofplay.lk. To register for the children’s Zoom series, visit: https://www.powerofplay.lk/zoom.php.