The CapoEthic Method
Workshops, seminars and consultations exploring the power of movement + word through Capoeira + Poetry
Our workshops and seminars encompasses four main components in the creative process that support participants in utilizing movement paired with poetic free-writing to break any boxes, obstacles, barriers they have faced in life, and discover their truth. Each week focuses on a theme based off of an introspective poetry curriculum I designed that incorporates Playback theatre techniques. This technique relies on sound, image, and rhythm that embody a narrative much deeper than conscious thought. The poetic themes include: discovering what makes them feel “Grounded”, reflecting on their “Childhood”, carving out their ideal “Future”, shaping the purpose of holding on to their “Dreams”, discussing the importance of “Capoeira” to their community, and defining what “Freedom” looks like to them. Although the themes are intentionally selected, there is flexibility of subtopics to fit the needs of the population. Playback theatre is based on the idea of an exchange, where open dialogue is grounded in honest narrative, respectful listening, and creative reflection that encourage the development of integrity and trust, which assists the project in building community.
Transforming doubt into discovery
According to the New York Times, when they told the Women in Bahia they couldn't drum, Banda Dida proved them wrong.
Azmera had the honor of teaching a CaPoetics class to this brilliant group of womxn as part of her cultural exchange Fulbright researchin Salvador Bahia, Brasil 2018. This 1 hour and half class was taught entirely in Portuguese.
What People Are Saying…
“You're a healer. Healing is what you do.. In as much as [your work] builds it also is an act of healing. At heart you're a healer. Your ministry it's healing. I believe generations will be looking at you as a healer, a healer of our people. That's my prophecy.”
— Sabelo Mhlambi
Harvard Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society Research Fellow
“That was probably the best class so far in this unit. I so appreciate you grounding it in the student's own experiences and their own experiences with schools. A good example of bringing the students into the conversation and less talking at them. It will be so useful to their papers. So powerful. What a shift! Thank you!"
— Katherine Merseth
Creator, Harvard Teacher Education Program and Harvard Teaching Fellows Program
“Azmera, our instructor, is a super dope Black woman who's ready to spark the joy and love and knowledge of this art form..I'm grateful for the work she's doing out in the world and brings us.”
— Ashley Herring
Founder, Blackyard Learning Center
"Your passion shows in your cadence, your uninhibited laughter..Since knowing you I've become increasingly inspired by your creativity, fearlessness and sheer brilliance. You push me to shed my own fears in service of my greater purpose in life. You challenge me to be an active participant in the understanding of my heritage. Your eloquence, commitment and articulation of your experience helps me understand my powers in this world.”