Mother’s Voice is a series of workshops with singer, drama teacher, community artist and mother, Simone Penkethman. The sessions explore the range of the mother’s voice voices through games, exercises, songs, stories and discussion. .
Penkethman says that the idea behind Mother’s Voice is this: “As children we use our voices freely and playfully. As adolescents, we become more self-conscious and learn to temper our tone. As adults, in most social and professional situations, we only use a fraction of our vocal range. As mothers, we use our whole voice; we laugh, whisper, comfort, shout, scold and croon; we can use our voices for fun and play as well as for authority.”
The sessions began in term three 2009 as a one-off series of six workshops at Kippax Health Centre. In response to the enthusiasm of the participants, Mother’s Voice will continue in term four. Free childcare is provided. The workshops are conducted in a space with an adjoining playroom. The children are able to engage in supervised play or to stay with their mothers in the workshop. Penkethman says, “I wanted to create a space where mothers can relax and be in the moment without having to worry about how their child’s behavior affects others. If a child is teething or upset and needs to stay with mother, that’s okay with everyone.”
The response of the participants to the first series of workshops demonstrates the success of this philosophy. One participant wrote: “I’ve gained more confidence in the use of my voice. I like the exercises – they’re useful. I feel very energized. It’s relaxing and comfortable. It’s good that you can have your child in or out of the room.” Another participant said: “This is the first time I’ve felt able to sing and not be judged. I’m singing at home with my child much more. I sing loud and pretend I’m really good.”
Workshops run at the Kippax Health Centre from 10am-12pm from Monday October 19 till Monday December 14. Expect an uplifting experience that will lead to a greater awareness of what your voice can do.
For further information or to join Mother’s Voice please contact Simone Penkethman – Arts and Cultural Development Officer,
Belconnen Community centre 02 62640235 simone.penkethman@bcsact.com.au
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