Me Two: Dancing the Opposites on Dartmoor
17th – 19th July 2026, Dartmoor National Park, South West England.
A 3-day creative process exploring inner duality through mask making, somatic movement and performance. Facilitated by Gemma Mallol and Joanna Hruby.
If I craft two opposing forces within me, what will I make?
If I give each of these polarities a face, what story will they tell me?
If I bring these two forces to life, what will their dance be?
In multiple political, social and cultural spheres, it feels increasingly difficult to escape polarisation. But perhaps rather than running away from it, we can embrace ‘the dynamic dance of polarities at the heart of the world’, as Carl Jung put it, by surrendering playfully to the ones which lie within each of us. In this three-day intensive workshop, we will seek support, grounding and inspiration from the natural landscapes of Dartmoor, Southwest England, as we give shape to two opposing inner forces. Through a fusion of somatic movement in nature and an artistic mask-making process, we will allow these dual beings to take form, and to participate in a dance which inevitably leads them towards the whole.
Workshop elements
- Somatic movement process: Exploring & excavating inner material & outer symbolism through the theme of duality
- Craft process: Inner material is crafted into outer material through mask making using papier mâché and materials that will be foraged on Dartmoor
- Animating: Exploring the integration of movement and mask
- Performance: Masks are brought into a collective performance on Dartmoor
- The performance ‘happening’ will be filmed, serving both as creative documentation for each participant to take home with them, as well as an inherent part of the group process, and resolution.
Schedule
Friday 17th July 12pm – 7pm
Saturday 18th July 10am – 5pm
Sunday 19th July 10am – 5pm
We will be based around Widecombe-in-the-Moor, in central Dartmoor. Morning somatic movement sessions will take place in various outdoor sites, and afternoon art sessions will take place at the nearby Leusdon Memorial Hall.
Participants can either bring their own lunch or eat in nearby cafés. We will provide teas, coffee and biscuits. We are happy to advise those coming from further away on local accommodation options.
Workshop fee (on a non-residential basis)
Assisted (2 spots): 175 GBP (please provide proof)
Standard price (8 spots): 225 GBP
‘Support the artists’ price: 275 GBP
To Book (and ask any questions)
Gemma Mallol stillflowing@hotmail.co.uk
Joanna Hruby hrubyjoanna@gmail.com
https://www.gemmamallolsomatics.com/
https://theatreoftheancients.com/
Theatre of the Ancients 