Cultural Activist
Artist Statement
The performing arts have an innate power to inspire. As an educator, director, playwright, choreographer and performing artist, I am keenly interested in the transformational potential of the arts to expand the boundaries of human potential. Driven by activist passion and anthropological training, I seek to inspire students and audiences to discover deep meaning in their lives and communities through creation of evocative performances and events that challenge culturally imposed paradigms.
Biography
Educator, theatre director/playwright, choreographer, performing artist, anthropologist and cultural activist. Founding Director, We The Temple, a non-profit organization exploring the power of the arts to expand human potential. MFA, Performance; MA, Cultural Anthropology. Research on authentic enactment and transformational theatre culminates in creation of mythic, visionary performances and public enactments. Originated and lead Anthropology Express curricula for children & youth exploring global cultures through traditional stories, culminating in live performances. Teaching Artist: The John F. Kennedy Center (18 years) and Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory (20 years). Plays: “Duir-Wyyd: The Dreamer’s Doorway”, Women’s Voices Theater Festival Premiere 2015; Crack Between the Worlds: the goddess returns (adaptation of Aeschylus’ play “The Eumenides”), Studio Theatre Secondstage Premiere 2000.
Program Description
Sandra’s work encompasses World Cultural Studies, Indigenous Cultures, History, Language and Literature, Contemporary Theatre, Shakespeare, Greek Tragedy, Contemporary Dance Technique, Dance Composition, Dance Repertory for Performance, Devised Performance and Improvisational Theatre & Dance. She works directly with students of all ages, and assists educators in employing the performing arts as tools to teach, enact and inspire.
Anthropology Express Projects; The Power of Language: Learning from Our World Community
Students enhance literacy, composition and oral communication skills by enacting folktales, literature and historical events from cultures world wide. Through the lens of performing arts, students embody a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, including customs, belief systems, and traditional songs. Discussion, brainstorming and collaboration establish a dynamic atmosphere of creative inquiry. Residencies culminate with an original performance and celebration in which students share their work with family and friends.
Tibet: Rooftop of the World; Soar to Ancient Greece: Myth, History & Magic; Mother Earth & Father Sky; Legends of the Peruvian Andes; Cinderella Tales Revisited; The Cay (Theodore Taylor); Teaching Tales; The Civil War: Perspectives; The Big Bang!; Poetry: Slam, Chant, Enactment; Shakespeare: Monologue, Scene & Swordplay; Greek Theatre: Scene, Messenger & Chorus; Choreographic Laboratory; Improvisational Laboratory; Rhythm Circles; The Human Body: Meditation and Dance; Yoga and Body Wisdom
(Many additional programs available, including development of new projects as needed).
Quotes
This is my favorite class…I wish we could meet every day!!!
– Zoe, 10/5th, Brooksfield Summer Performing Arts Program
Thank you Sandra, for your passionate dedication! I learned so much, and am eager to keep improving.
– Justin, Acting Student, Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory
What a tremendous experience for the children. Your creativity is really amazing and the kids just naturally respond to you so well. It’s a beautiful thing to be on the receiving end of your talents.
– Devon, Parent, Sandra Kammann Performance Project Inc.