This workshop expands application of the Physical Storytelling by focusing the body of work for end of life/goodbye stories. Goodbye stories can be told to create a legacy, bring closure, and transform relationships. Physical Storytelling blends principles of Dance/Movement Therapy, Improvisation, Contact Improvisation, Playback Theater, and Authentic Movement.  The conductor assists the teller in verbalizing a story, and sets a structure while the teller chooses participants to retell the story only using movement.

  The teller becomes witness to his/her own story.

The teller shares a story to remember or reshape memories about someone who has already died, or the stories are told/moved to honor someone who is near the end of life. The objective viewing of the story creates new perspectives for the teller to deepen their story or

 to create new meaning about the story as part of the healing/grief process. 

The moving participants and observers share a role in creating the container for the story, demonstrating empathy for the teller, and honoring their own relationship to the teller’s story.   Movement becomes another path of saying goodbye, letting go, remembering, and honoring our loved ones. The reflected and shared stories within a group context allows for transformation and healing as each teller can reveal, be seen, be valued in their remembrances of a loved one near or after the end of life.