Returning from the Conference China

[Jacob Gershoni]

*Dear Grouptalkers,*

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*As much attention is focused on the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, 
China, I would like to report on*

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*THE 1^ST INTERNATIONAL EXPRESSIVE THERAPY AND PSYCHODRAMA CONFERENCE*

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*held in Suzhou, near Shanghai from August 4 - 7. Organized by Shu Gong 
and local dignitaries, it was the culmination of a persistent effort 
initiated by her in the early 1990's.  Shu Gong brought Psychodrama to 
China and paved the way for Zerka Moreno to lead workshops, the most 
notable of which was the one on the Great Wall, near Beijing.*

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*Suzhou, the host city of the conference, known for its classical 
gardens, canals and bridges, is dubbed "The Venice of China"; it was a 
superb location for this wonderful gathering, attended by 385 
professionals and students (including translators and session 
assistants). It was a great opportunity to present, teach and connect 
with Chinese and other Asian colleagues and students. *

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*Above and beyond the pleasure of presenting at this conference we had a 
chance to meet with old friends, develop new friendships and be touched 
by the depth and achievements of the Chinese people and their culture. A 
good example of China's artistic heritage of some 6000 years can be 
found at the Shanghai Museum, with 5 floors of unparalleled collections 
of stone sculptures, bronzes, jades, furniture, paintings, beautifully 
displayed. This is the country where many products originated which we 
now just take for granted - silk, porcelain, paper, noodles -. It has a 
tradition of honoring folk artists: singers, story tellers, acrobats, 
skilled craftsmen.  All of this is evident even in small places. 
Creativity is part of everyday life. Little wonder then, that the 
Chinese are so receptive to psychodrama and so sociometrically inclined.*

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*I traveled with my partner for two weeks prior to the conference, 
starting in Shanghai.  Built on the opium, silk and tea trades in the 
mid 1800's by the British and French, it attracted massive financial 
activities which left grandiose architecture; today, boundless energy 
again reigns in this incredible city, and the "Paris  of the East" is 
alive again and growing ever faster with high-rise architecture 
unequaled anywhere.*

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*When Marco Polo traveled in the area in 1276 he described the city of 
Hangzhou as one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Hangzhou was 
the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty in the 13^th century A.D.  An 
old Chinese saying: "In heaven there is paradise, on earth Suzhou and 
Hangzhou".*

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*The four-day Conference began with keynote speeches and presentations 
by Gong Shu (that's her name in Chinese), Fan Fumin, Yamanaka Yasuhiro,  
Marcia Karp and Jorge Burmeister.  Non-Asian presenters came from 
various countries: *

*Michael Wieser (Austria)*

*Kate Hudgins, Merri Goldberg, Jacob Gershoni,  Ed Schreiber and Adam 
Barcroft (USA)*

*Natasha Navarro Roldan (Spain)*

*John Devling, Kate Hill (Australia)*

*Elisabeth Koeberl and Elke Normann (Germany)*

*Yaacov Naor (Israel)*

*Kate Hudgins, who reports about training Chinese groups in her 
Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM) also hosted a reception, together with Ed 
Schreiber, featuring good food and local TSM playback group.*

* *

*The enduring legacy in China of gardening is heartwarming. We visited 
many classical gardens in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. In these cities 
streets are lined with sycamore trees with their thick green leaves and 
colorful bark. In a visit to the Shanghai Museum we were touched by the 
warmth and beauty radiated by its magnificent collection of furniture 
 (particularly that of the Ming period) made of (now nearly or possibly 
totally extinct) Huanghuali and Zitan woods. *

* *

*This giant country with the world's largest population and ultra-rapid 
development is still relatively unknown to many Westerners. Visiting 
there and just savoring a very small part of its culture, the 
friendliness and hospitality of its people, and observing its vigor has 
been an eye-opener for us. *

* *

*Respectfully,*

 

Jacob Gershoni, L.C.S.W., C.G.P., T.E.P

*19 West 34th Street**, PH Floor*

*New York**, N.Y.** 1000-3006*

*(212) 795-1192*

*(212) 947-7111*

*Email: Gej9001 at nyp.org <mailto:Gej9001 at nyp.org> *

*www.GrouPsychodrama.com*

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                                     
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