Frequently Asked Questions
What is InterPlay?
InterPlay is a set of practical tools and ideas to help individuals and communities thrive. It was developed by Cynthia Winton-Henry and Phil Porter over the last twenty years and has spread around the world. InterPlay helps us reclaim our lives and get more of what we want, whatever that might be. More About InterPlay
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What happens in a typical InterPlay class?
Although InterPlay classes can take different shapes, a class will generally begin with a warm-up and then move into a series of what we call InterPlay “forms”, which are simple structures for playing with movement, stories and voice. There are a few basic forms, and then variations of those. The forms are taught incrementally, and are easy-to-learn, and if there are new people in the class, we go over the basics as needed. Over the course of a class, or a series of classes, participants will learn several if not many ways to play with “what a body can do”.
Most of the forms involve interaction with at least one other person, and sometimes several others, so they are excellent ways to connect easily with other people. We rarely put people “on the spot” and there are many ways that participants get to choose what they will do or not do. In the process we all learn more about how our bodies work, what is possible, how to find ease in the process and how other bodies work. You get to play a lot with your own “information”. We also learn how to move through our self-consciousness in easy ways. You don’t need to think of yourself as being creative in order to do InterPlay, but chances are you will find you are much more creative than you thought.
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How does InterPlay work? InterPlay reconnects us with the wisdom of our bodies—what we know from paying attention to our own experience. We are often cut off from that wisdom by the expectation of others, by external authorities, by fear or repression. InterPlay is rooted in creating, in looking for the good, in play. The InterPlay atmosphere is one of ease and fun, rather than struggle. We gain huge insights from the simplest of activities—learning through playing—and regain confidence in our ability to respond in the moment. return to FAQ list
How is InterPlay used in everyday life? InterPlay helps us reduce stress and regain balance in our lives. It gives us tools for dealing with unexpected or difficult situations. It helps us to be ”lighter“ and to savor the good things in our lives. It reminds us to breathe. It also creates community—a web of relationships that can support us in what we want and need. return to FAQ list Where and when is InterPlay happening?
InterPlay originated in the San Francisco Bay Area. The national office, InterPlayce, is located in downtown Oakland. InterPlay is practiced in many parts of the United States and in other countries around the world. Search for classes and events or leaders in your area. InterPlay is often done in retreat formats with participants coming from far and wide.
return to FAQ list Who does InterPlay? InterPlay is intergenerational, multicultural and interfaith. InterPlayers come in all shapes and sizes. InterPlay is being done with the very old and the very young, and many people are using InterPlay in their professional lives. return to FAQ list How did InterPlay start? InterPlay was developed by Cynthia Winton-Henry and Phil Porter who have been collaborating as artists, performers, teachers, writers and philosophers for over 25 years. They have both been interested in how individuals and communities could regain a sense of integration and connectedness—how all the parts of our lives can work well together. They recognized that the process of creating in the moment has a powerful effect and is a great teaching tool. They have honed their technique over the last 15 years, and many others have contributed to the wisdom of this system. It is constantly growing and changing as the movement spreads throughout the world. return to FAQ list What is new in InterPlay? Cynthia and Phil have written several books, including Cynthia's newest one What the Body Wants, just published in September, 2004. It includes many stories about how InterPlay has changed people's lives. It also includes full descriptions of the InterPlay ”forms“ and offers a way of doing InterPlay on one’s own or with a friend or two, even if you aren’t near an InterPlay center. Also InterPlay is being applied in many different fields and with particular populations. Social workers, teachers, ministers, organizational development professionals, healthcare workers, and many others are developing new ways of sharing the wisdom of InterPlay. Check out our Hot News! return to FAQ list
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