The author and screenwriter Marek Šindelka will engage in a discussion with students, followed by an experiential workshop using visual materials from current exhibitions and the Narrative 4 methodology, which focuses on developing empathy through sharing stories. The inspiration for the discussion will be Šindelka’s new novel Systémy něhy (Systems of Tenderness), which explores obsession, longing, and the inner workings of the soul. It is about issues inherited from parents which parasitically shape children’s lives and are passed on through their relationships.

During the FALL festival, school groups will have a unique opportunity to take part in discussions with selected Czech and foreign writers who will share, among other things, how their own life stories are reflected in their work. The accompanying educational programme is inspired by the methodology of the global project Narrative 4 and focuses on developing empathy through sharing stories.

Storytelling, as it is used in the Narrative 4 methodology and DOX’s educational programmes, allows us to experience the sharing of stories with another person in a way that seems simple at first glance – listening and retelling. And there is power in simplicity. Colum McCann, a world-renowned Irish writer and founder of Narrative 4, has named this concept “radical empathy”, and it helps foster understanding wherever people experience life differently and see the world from different points of view.

The foundation of the experiential programme is the participants’ own authentic stories – and authenticity is essential. The personal story, a childhood experience, should be on the topic of “transformation” and should be no more than five minutes long. And because it is meant to be shared, each participant can decide whether to choose a story that is sad, happy, serious, or light-hearted. Participants will prepare their stories in advance.

The discussion will be hosted by Karolína Kočí.
It is also possible to attend the discussion without taking part in the educational programme.