“Once again, Héctor provided us an exciting experience: we learned about Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, about conflict resolution and healing practices from Palestine/Israel to U.S. prisons, and about ourselves. It’s one thing to read these stories; it’s another to experience them.

There was one experience that had me feeling the role I took on so deeply that I cried and felt a closeness to my improv partner, whom I had never met before. After laughing our way through some of the amusing warm-up games, this experience was unexpected.

I wish LAUSD would get Héctor to do workshops in our schools.”

Carolfrances, Los Angeles, June 16th 2010

Participant in ‘Awaken Your Imagination’ workshop, June 11/12, 2010

————————————————————————

“Each year Hector Aristizabal returns to Oberlin, he rejuvenates confidence in our ability to create beauty and meaning out of trauma, illness, and conflict.  Approximately 30 college and community members attended last week’s daily theater workshops, gaining skills to facilitate similar exercises in our own pedagogical settings and wisdom to navigate challenges in our own lives. Looking forward to Hector’s next visit to Oberlin, which we hope will be very soon.”

Angela, Oberlin Street Law, May 12th 2010

———————————————————————–

“I had so much fun and did so much inner-work watching other people “sculpt” through their issues. I hope to participate in any and every future Imaginaction workshop in the area.”

Renee Larios, Los Angeles, March 8th 2010

Participant in ‘Awaken Your Imagination’ workshop, March 5/6 2010

———————————————————————–

Dear Hector,

Students are still talking about your work with them last week.  One student in class this morning said, “I miss Hector.”  You did have a profound influence on a number of folks here.  You stretched some, you encouraged and invigorated others, and you challenged all of them to work out of their passions.  Thank you!

Marian Osborne Berky

Anderson University Peace and Conflict Transformation Program

March 2, 2010