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Health Humanities Grand Rounds

Exploring the expressive properties of theater as therapeutic intervention for PTS, documentarian, Amy L. Erickson (Visceral: Transforming Trauma Through Theater), and founder/Program Director for the theater based non-profit Feast of Crispian, Nancy Smith-Watson, share their experiences of art, healing, and emerging neuroscience. Informed by the work of leading experts in the field of trauma, Erickson and Smith-Watson will discuss how voice, movement, breath, and the neurological properties of the poetry of Shakespeare gently awakens parts of the brain shut down by PTS. This discussion dovetails the screening of Visceral and a demonstration of Feast of Crispin’s process following the screening on Saturday, January 25th. Visceral tells the story of four people who are living with the impact of PTS. Performing in musicals, dramas, and Shakespeare productions, they begin to transform their physical and mental health and get the support they need because they’re more fully engaged in life and connected to others. They’re able regulate the PTS and take action to rebuild their lives.

Zoom Link: https://urmc.zoom.us/j/96878868372?pwd=OEtVZVdNLzZiallVY2pIS2xnSVF6dz09 

Passcode: 807980

Amy L. Erickson

Amy is performing artist, filmmaker and social-impact communicator. She was inspired to create the documentary Visceral: Transforming Trauma Through Theater after experiencing a release from the residue of trauma that lived in her body by performing onstage.  She holds a Master of Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Arts in Consumer Economics from Wayne State University. Amy is a member of the National Organization for Arts on Health and is an advocate for the arts on prescription movement; she focuses on encouraging others to integrate expressive arts into their lives for greater wellbeing.

Nancy Smith-Watson

Nancy Smith-Watson, BA, MA candidate, LMT: Nancy is a professional actor, a somatic bodywork therapist, and is trained in Drama Therapy. In 2012, she co-founded Feast of Crispian: Shakespeare with Veterans. For the last twelve years, Nancy has facilitated hundreds of veterans and other trauma survivors through Feast’s curriculum of Shakespeare based acting, creating community and better quality of life with expressive embodiment. She has presented her work at, among other events, the NEH conference, the International Trauma Conference, and the Shakespeare Theater Association National Conference. Nancy has taught trainings across the country, including in Garrison, NY with Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk. 

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