Through autobiographical writing and body movement exercises, this workshop offers a set of expressive practices on the process of artistic creation. With the guidance of musician, writer and performer Richard Simas and researcher Elsa Lechner, this Creative Camp at Quinta dos Girassóis will provide a 3-day immersion in nature for creative experimentations in group with the help of biographical work.

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

4th of June 2024

• 08h30 a.m. - Opening
• 09h30 a.m. - Round of presentations
• 10h45 a.m. - Pause
• 11h00 a.m. - Body exercises to relax and connect with nature
• 11h30 a.m. - Autobiographical writing exercise
• 12h30 p.m. – Lunch
• 02h00 p.m. - Reading aloud the texts written in the group
• 05h00 p.m. - Snack break and nature walk by the river
• 08h00 p.m. - Dinner at Casa da Lenha (for those enrolled in the accommodation option)

5th of June

• 09h30 a.m. - Review of the texts and readings
• 10h45 a.m. - Pause
• 11h00 a.m. - Preparation exercises in nature
• 11h30 a.m. - Preparation of the creative work revealed by the autobiographical writing (performance, dance, song, film, music, etc.)
• 12h30 p.m. - Lunch
• 02h00 p.m. - Individual artistic work to be presented the following day
• 05h00 p.m. - Snack break and nature walk
• 08h00 p.m. - Dinner at Casa da Lenha (for those enrolled in the accommodation option)

6th of June

• 09h30 a.m. - Body exercises in nature
• 10h00 a.m. - Starting of the creative work presentations
• 12h00 p.m. - Lunch
• 02h00 p.m. - Continuation of presentations
• 5h00 p.m. - Closing session with celebration and music

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS:

Option 1 - With accommodation 380€

380€ per person for 3 days in residence (Includes 3-day workshop, 3-day accommodation at Quinta dos Girassóis, meals during the workshop and throughout

the stay at the Quinta and nature walks).

Option 2 - Without accommodation 215€

215€ per person for 3 days of workshop (Includes 3-day workshop, all lunches and snacks at Quinta dos Girassóis during the 3 days and nature walks, but no

accommodation at the Quinta).

# Maximum of 10 people per residence #

SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF THE TRAINERS

Richard Simas is a freelance writer with a background in literature, music and the performing arts. His publications appear in contemporary art and literary

magazines in Europe and North America. His work includes essays on researching Portuguese immigrant heritage and the notion of (re)learning Portuguese from a diasporic perspective. He published "O Mistério das Valsas Portuguesas" (The Mystery of Portuguese Waltzes), the result of his research into these beautiful traditional melodies. It's his first book for young readers. He lives in Montreal.

Elsa Lechner is a researcher and trainer in the field of biographical studies, with further education in perceptual psychopedagogy. She practices artistic activities as an amateur in choral singing, dance and theatre. She has an international personal and professional path. She has published several books and papers in the field of biographical research and life histories in education/experiential knowledge. She has developed the method of biographical  Workshops based on the writing, sharing and resonance of life narratives in group.