About Contender Charlie

OUR VISION

A school system which is the most inspirational and supportive environment possible for the physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual development of young people.

OUR MISSION

To support young people in the exploration of their emotional development and creative potential. To support those who mentor, teach or lead students in the promotion of inspiring, effective and ethical practice.

WHAT IS MYTHODRAMA?

The purpose of playing is to hold the mirror up to nature.

William Shakespeare – Hamlet

Mythodrama is a unique form of experiential learning that allows participants to “act in” desired behaviours and attributes. We employ a powerful combination of theatre practice, psychology, mythology and organisational development. It provides inspiration and learning for lasting change.

So much is at stake and so much depends on the psychological constitution of modern man. Does the individual know that s/he is the make weight that tips the scales?

Carl Jung

The psychological aspect broadens perspective and unleashes new possibilities in individuals and organisations. It creates a context to find greater meaning in our work.

The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins Remorse from power

William Shakespeare – Julius Caesar

Shakespeare’s genius provides timeless insights into the human nature of leadership, at all levels. Each of his plays contains a great mythology on the human condition. We can project our own issues on to these mythologies, to gain deeper insight into the nature of the challenges we face in our own lives and work.

All this is done in a practical, relevant and down-to-earth manner and is designed to engage even those who would normally feel out of their comfort zone with a theatrical metaphor.

Mythological symbols touch and exhilarate centres of life beyond the reach of vocabularies of reason and coercion

Joseph Campbell

Mythodrama extends the range of participants’ thinking, behaviour and action.

Academic prowess cannot and should not ever be undervalued. It is simply that emotional, physical and kinaesthetic development are part of a vital, mutually supporting matrix.

  • "Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime opportunity and I really hope he can come back again and maybe everybody will have the opportunity to listen to his life-changing talk."

    Student Testimonial KGV School, Hong Kong

  • "A really insightful, relevant afternoon's training"

    Chris Chorley Deputy Headteacher, Westfield Primary School

  • "I have seen this twice - Henry V and Macbeth - I cannot recommend this highly enough. It has really made me think about what positive leadership is"

    Samantha Cosgrove Executive Headteacher, St Michael's CofE Primary School

  • "This is my 5th experience of Mythodrama and every time it just gets better and better"

    Caroline Bromley Headteacher, Lamberhurst St Mary's School

  • "Absolutely superb and exactly what I needed to hear at a time when the pressure of leadership is great"

    Darran Callaghan Headteacher Holywell School

  • “Definitely a positive impact, especially with the boys and reluctant learners. Motivation to write increased and quality of all aspects of the curriculum enhanced. Each class went on to read other Shakespeare after this.”

    Teacher Frederick Bird Primary School, Coventry

  • "Both staff and children found it thrilling, enjoyable and they made the play accessible for all abilities. The children were absolutely buzzing about the performance."

    Headteacher Piper’s Vale Community Primary School

  • "An incredible and inspirational talk on the importance of being a leader"

    Student Testimonial KGV School, Hong Kong