About The Project
3min version
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20min version
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Dear, Love From... is an R&D project in two parts, with the unified goal of amplifying the unheard stories of adoptee experiences and building community.
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The first part of this R&D is to pilot a series of creative workshops for adult adoptees, with the aim that these workshops can become a regular space for adoptees to gather and support each other.
The second part is to develop a autobiographical solo performance piece called Dear, Love From... A piece that delves into the relationship I have with my birth mother using a series of objects and letters.
This work is proudly funded through the Arts Council of Wales create fund and supported by The Riverfront and Adoption UK.
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To read more about the workshops click here or to read more about the performance R&D continue reading...
About Dear, Love From...
Dear, Love From... has been in development for the past couple of years.
It was first tested in front of audiences during CULTIVATE, a scratch night event formed by Justin Teddy Cliffe, hosted at The Riverfront.
over the period of a week I explored writing both text for direct address and spoken word, moving between movement and speaking with the audience.
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People supporting the process:
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Writing Development mentor: Connor Allen (through LOYALTY collective) Choreographic support: Liam Wallace
Creative Producing: Justin Teddy Cliffe
Please see below for the 20min version of this work (alternatively you can see an edited version of the work (3mins) to the left hand side.
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August - October 2024 see's the second phase of development and exploration for Dear, Love From..., a dance/immersive theatre/spoken word performance about the experiences of adults who, like myself, have been adopted.
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Taking the feedback and learnings from 2022 R&D I will continue to develop the work from my own personal experience, a collection of personal objects and their stories, while this time weaving in stories from the wider adoptee community.
With this phase of development I am interested in using the improvisational qualities of the loop pedal to play with the text and objects live in the space ...using the delicate and ever shifting qualities to reflect the relationship with my birth mother, and how adoption has shaped my world: my sense of self, and feelings of belonging and connection.
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People supporting the project:
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Voice & Movement collaborator: Ffion Campbell Davies
Choreographic support: Liam Wallace
Community Engagement mentoring: Rachel Pedley
Therapist/workshop support: Charlotte Flothmann
Creative Producer: Justin Teddy Cliffe
Writing Development: Catherine Paskell
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This project will be happening at The Riverfront in Newport. ​
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R&D: Dear, Love From...
Creative Workshops
with Jodi Ann Nicholson
I am a movement artist with a multidisciplinary background. My experiences as
a transracial adoptee have shaped my creative voice and interests.
Within my artistic endeavours, I find joy in dancing and embroidering.
When I facilitate creative spaces, my focus is on fostering openness and
spreading joy. I particularly enjoy initiating discussions on topics like
identity, community, and belonging.
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I have curated these workshops to be a space where we can be brave in our
explorations. It will be a supportive and engaging space, fostering community
amongst adoptees.
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I understand although we are connected by our experience of adoption, each
of our stories are unique to us and we are at different stages of exploring it.
The workshops will be a blend of individual and group exploration aided by
movement and free writing exercises. Where you can share as much or as little
as feels comfortable.
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Through my journey of understanding my experience of adoption, I have realised
that it has challenged my thinking around identity and love while teaching me
resilience and leaving me with a renewed sense of hope. Each workshop will be
themed around these topics, to give us a shared lens to explore together and as
individuals in the space.
This workshop series will be led by myself and supported by
therapist Charlotte Flothmann, these themed workshops
will hold up to 10 people and offer light refreshments
and travel reimbursement for participants.
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I am excited about hosting these upcoming
workshops and welcoming you along!
Information for the diary:
When: Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th October
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Time: 5-7pm
Where: The Riverfront, Newport, NP20 1HP
If you are interested in the creative workshops mentioned above, sign up by clicking on the button bellow.
This will take you to a simple Google form.
If you have some questions give me an email