Dance and theater classes for people with acquired brain injury

For over twelve years, Saskia Langendijk has been supporting people with acquired brain injury. She teaches dance and works with a theater group. In the performance ‘Life after the shock’, the actors talk about what they deal with in their daily lives and have the opportunity to express those experiences. “When I mention that I work with people with brain injury, sometimes the reaction is like: ‘How heavy and very brave of you’. I don’t see it that way at all, it’s actually enjoyable and I am grateful that I get to do this work. I get so much in return. It gives me energy, inspiration, a meaningful use of my time, and last but not least, the opportunity to pursue my passion.”Saskia, herself chronically ill and caregiver of her son and mother, decided about twelve years ago that she also wanted to do something that was completely for herself. She actively searched for something that could give her that and ended up at Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam (VCA). After reviewing her resume, the mediator came up with a vacancy that was perfect for her: dance teacher at Ons Tweede Thuis, for people with acquired brain injury. With her background as a dance expression teacher and a psychology study, this position was naturally tailored to her.

A warm bath

Saskia was invited for an interview and could attend a class afterwards. She was immediately thrown in at the deep end, as supervisor Hemmo thought she could just join right away. There was an instant connection from the start, and she felt like she had landed in a warm bath. The fact that she still works there after twelve years speaks for itself, of course. “I really got the feeling of ‘this is me’ and found the contact with people amazing. Everyone is completely themselves and there is a beautiful flow of energy back and forth.”

Small group

The corona period has had its impact on the theater workshop where Saskia and Hemmo had a group under supervision. Large groups were no longer allowed to come together, so rehearsals had to be done in a different way – with a small group. This has resulted in the current composition of the group: Tamara, Erik, Frank, Frans, Saskia, and Hemmo. A collective that operates on the principle of equality: everyone contributes to the whole. Brain injury or no brain injury.

The end result: Life after the shock

I am present at the dress rehearsal of the play Life after the shock. I will not see the efforts that have led to the final result, but I can imagine it. The lines are delivered very naturally, entirely from memory. A beautiful piece is being performed. Music and theater seamlessly blend into each other. Emotional, but also with a touch of humor. Surprisingly well acted and beautifully sung. The text is poetic and symbolic, written by someone who also has a brain injury. Hemmo has turned it into a play, and guitarist Frank has composed music for it. Furthermore, everyone has contributed and provided ideas based on their own experiences.

Hoop

The evening kicks off with a monologue in which the story is told emotionally, vulnerably, yet also powerfully. At the end of the piece, she asks herself who she could have been if it hadn’t happened. Erik and Tamara portray the struggles of a couple, one of whom has had a stroke. The issues are subtly presented. Afterwards, there is a glimmer of hope that a new beginning is possible once again. Everything is complemented by beautiful music and beautifully sung.

Recognizable

Since September, they have performed this piece ten times already. The performances often take place in activity centers or for caregivers, such as next week in a rehabilitation center in Zaandam. Through word-of-mouth, the group ends up in all kinds of places. There is always a discussion afterwards. Although an accident or stroke brings about a very direct and sudden change in life, much of the issues addressed in the play are also recognizable for people who are confronted in a different way with an event of great impact. For the actors themselves, acting is a way to follow their passion and give a gift to the audience. By expressing what they have been through and the processing of it, they can also find the resilience to continue and enjoy the beautiful things that are still present in life. And they give hope to others.

Are you also interested in volunteering?

Choose something that suits you.the online job boardyou will find 1001 possibilities.Or come by one of our consultation hours without any obligation. Text: Martina Koster
Photo: Huub Zeeman