PSALMS AND THEATER RETREAT

Studying the psalms leads us to discover characters living through extreme situations and emotions (trials, delight, peace, anguish, love, hatred… in short, the full spectrum of human life, from the most frightening depths of despair to the most compelling heights of enthusiasm), which will help unlock and release what so often remains imprisoned deep within us. The poetic breath of these prayers will invite us to dare cry out a "Help!" that will carry us all the way to a resounding and definitive "Alleluia!" at the heart of our lives, as we are called by God so far beyond what we can imagine.

Theater: accessible exercises for everyone will introduce us to the foundations of all embodiment: bringing body and voice into space and life, the notion of character and situation, the "role" of the audience, listening, staging, expressiveness… Theater, like prayer, will be approached as a discipline of presence and connection. The vivid and powerful nature of the text will invite us to breathe more deeply, to open our eyes and ears more widely, to keep all our senses alert, and to unleash our enthusiasm.

• Presenter: Philippe Rousseaux, biblical scholar and actor.
• Each day alternates between teachings and practical exercises in embodying the Word.
• Offices with the community of the Cœur de Jésus de Bassac.

Full board.

Please bring your own sheets, pillowcase, towels, and toiletries.

Feel free to bring something to write with and a Bible.

Getting to the abbey:

By car: a large parking lot within the abbey is available to retreatants.

By train: Jarnac Charente station (6 km away) — we can arrange to pick you up.

Note: as of today, there is no elevator to access the rooms.

Financial contribution:

Philippe ROUSSEAUX's program: €200 Stay at Bassac Abbey with full board: approximately €330 for the week