7-Day Neuro-Dramatic Play and Performance Retreat in Crete and Naxos following The Journey of Ariadne
Sun 18th - Saturday 24th May 2025
Day 1: Arrival in Crete
Upon your arrival at the airport in Crete, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel near the ancient site of Knossos. This evening, you'll settle into your accommodations, soaking in the serene ambiance of Crete before the journey ahead. Enjoy a relaxing night as you prepare for the days of discovery and creative exploration to follow. Anticipate your personal development that lies ahead
Day 2: Discovering Knossos
After breakfast, you will embark on a guided tour of the legendary Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, and the centre of the ancient Minoan civilization. Your guide will share the rich history, myths, and stories tied to this sacred place, including the famous tale of the labyrinth and the Minotaur and remember that ancient myths can connect with us at a very deep level.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry to the island of Naxos, with enchanting storytelling sessions on the journey. These stories will set the stage for deeper reflections on ancient myths and their connections to Neuro-Dramatic Play, our primary means of reaching our child self. As the sun sets, you'll arrive on Naxos and settle into the tranquil rhythms of island life.
Day 3: Exploring Naxos and Its Myths
In the morning, you will visit the iconic Portara (the Great Door) and the nearby statue of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. As you stand before these historic landmarks, you'll dive deeper into Ariadne's myth and the themes of abandonment, connection, and transformation, which will resonate through your explorations of Neuro-Dramatic Play.
Later, you'll be introduced to the foundations of Neuro-Dramatic Play (NDP), an experiential approach that explores the integration of body, mind, and emotions through dramatic expression and storytelling: it includes associations with water and land, fire and air; the embodied story and the dramatised other
Day 4 & 5: Immersive NDP Practices
Over the next two days, you'll dive into the heart of NDP. This immersive experience will include:
Sand Play: A therapeutic tool that taps into unconscious expression, helping you explore emotions and stories that arise through the creative process of working with the senses.
Theatre Techniques: Engage in movement-based activities that align with NDP principles, using theatre exercises to explore the narratives within and our early attachments.
Embodied Play and Reflection (EPR): Through these sessions, you will explore how emotions and past experiences shape our expressions, both in ‘let’s pretend’ and in everyday life.
Day 6: The Intersection of NDP and Theatre
Today, you’ll focus on how Neuro-Dramatic Play connects to theatre-making and performance. You'll explore the Ariadne choral piece, a dramatic work inspired by the myth of Ariadne, and work on practical theatre skills that bring the emotional and imaginative elements of NDP to life on stage.
Day 7: Final Performance and Reflection
The final day of the retreat culminates in a shared performance. You and your group will present an original piece, co-created through the week’s activities. This performance will be the expression of the journey through NDP, integrating myth, personal storytelling, and dramatic expression.
The day will close with a final reflection on the connections made between personal NDP and performance, offering a deep sense of closure and newfound insights to take with you as you return home.
To find out more please contact us
