This chapter explores how the author, using the same training as that of actors and performing artists, explored techniques to promote embodied language learning in her facilitator practice for the Sorgente project. The aim was to create a sense of belonging among a young refugee and migrant group in Dublin, Ireland; the practice was framed with the concept of ‘duty of care’ and took account of trauma-informed approaches in education. The work described here began by focusing on the psycho-physical process of creating ease in the body, while connecting breath to full vocal expression as a building block to exploring the ‘accepting the offer’ techniques used in collective improvisation. The chapter describes how, after progressing through exercises to help release physical impediments and engage the voice, short, devised, fictional scenarios were developed, involving whole body-voice creative collaboration. Using this shared process, new abilities to collaborate, connect and belong, through laughing and creating together in the English language, were discovered. The stories were inspired by the Myungae Lee postcard entitled ‘Open the door’, from Migrations: Open Hearts, Open Borders (The International Centre for the Picture Book in Society, 2019). With its facilitator-participant narrative, this chapter is a response to the discoveries made during this exploration. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Erika Piazzoli and Fiona Dalziel; individual chapters, the contributors.

DOI: 10.4324/9781003093077-13

ISBN: 9781040002544; 978-0367553357