I just returned from a fabulous visit and workshop from Portugal,the most western part of Europe. I really enjoyed it on many levels - the culture, honesty of the people I met and worked with. There were only 10 students in the workshop. Professionally and spiritually it was worth it and a great experience for me. I enjoyed sharing and "planting good seeds," or cultiver le jardin, if you will, that will grow with time.

The students were clowns, actors, from Germany and England and, of course, Portugal, University students. They were enthusiastic and eager to participate actively. They asked questions, dared to explore practical ideas from the ten basic principles of BodySpeak(tm), movement theatre concepts, improvisation and objective and subjective Mime.

We also explored the Masks and the classical Mask Session. It was really impressive and creative for them. This specific session had a positive impact, and was a remarkable learning experience for all.

I had someone translating my instructions to Portuguese. I used French also to explain certain principles for those who spoke French. I found out again, how it is so necessary to speak a few languages. They come in handy for communication and to define reality. But in this workshop, the language of the body triumphed. That is, by communicating with simple and physical examples, we didn't need much words. The movements were much more powerful than words. The language of the body was beyond words, beyond language and cultural boundaries.

I also visited some very beautiful and impressive places - The ocean. And, Ah! yes, the great food and wine! I stayed with Claudia Machado who found me through the Internet and invited me for a special European workshop.

Briefly, it was a great experience of learning and teaching for me and all participants.

To those participants, let me say that I hope to see you again in our next European Workshop, may be next year, with new and enthusiastic people.

I have mailed to each of the participants in Portugal a warm and personal letter. And a Certificate of Appreciation titled (C.I.B.) Conscious Integrated Being. This is the "degree" we offer to the participants in our workshops, where I introduce BodySpeak(tm) principles.

Congratulations to all of you.
Samuel Avital, Le Centre du Silence

P.S.

Thank you all who participated with enthusiasm and creative work.
I'd like to hear from you, and if possible, please write me at this
email: . I will post in my website your comments and impressions about the Portugal Workshop of Sept. 97.

P.P.S.

I want again to express my most profound thanks for my hosts, and the people who invited me to Portugal, Claudia and Paulo Machado of Almada, (who "discovered" me via the Internet), and their family's fabulous hospitality, Their great delicious food, very tasty, and similar to my essence food from Morocco. I really had a great pleasure, and a great time to meet beautiful people, and share valuable creative principles of Mime, Theatre, Movement, and the practicality of using the principles of BodySpeak(tm) method in life and in their professional life.
Merci mille fois pour un temps merveilleux. Viva Portugal !
Samuel Avital
Le Centre du Silence
Boulder, Colorado
Wed, October 29, 1997