{"id":144903,"date":"2026-06-06T07:41:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/?p=144903"},"modified":"2026-06-18T10:23:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T08:23:11","slug":"sensory-poem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/sensory-poem\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory Poem \u2014 Synaesthesia in six lines"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143257″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”203935″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”628497″]Home<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 <\/a>Toolbox<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 <\/a>M4 Theatre<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Sensory Poem \u2014 Synaesthesia in six lines<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”404764″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_horizontal=”left” gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”96″ radius=”std” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_fixed=”yes” shift_y_down=”0″ shift_y_down_fixed=”yes” z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shadow_responsive=”yes” width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”717966″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”551567″][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_horizontal=”left” gutter_size=”2″ style=”light” back_color=”color-202973″ overlay_alpha=”5″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”208493″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-564791″ heading_semantic=”h1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”100653″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Sensory Poem \u2014 Synaesthesia in six lines[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”178873″]<\/p>\n

Participants answer a short sensory questionnaire that evokes synaesthetic associations \u2014 colours that sound like something, textures that hold a memory, smells that carry a feeling \u2014 and turn these responses into a short poem. Each person then performs their poem from a marked square on the floor, holding eye contact with the audience until the applause ends.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”691366″][vc_single_image media=”145006″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”384923″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”121903″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”762499″][vc_single_image media=”143344″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”831028″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”497731″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]THEME<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”601054″]Creative Expression, Presence, and Performance<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”205574″][vc_single_image media=”143349″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”170116″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”616773″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]COMPLEXITY<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”134462″]Advanced<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”138518″][vc_single_image media=”143374″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”114320″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”756304″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]GROUP SIZE<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”299397″]<\/p>\n

8\u201320 participants<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”174229″][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”210593″][vc_single_image media=”143381″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”143579″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”147123″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]AGE<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”711345″]<\/p>\n

16 +<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”183783″][vc_single_image media=”143371″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”144148″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”113937″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]TIME<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”200866″]<\/p>\n

60\u201390 minutes<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”707183″][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ desktop_visibility=”yes” medium_visibility=”yes” medium_width=”0″ mobile_visibility=”yes” mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”364653″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”4″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”104034″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”3″ style=”dark” back_color=”color-564791″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”157639″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”824194″]Objectives<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”181192″]<\/p>\n

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  • To develop creative writing and poetic expression through sensory associations<\/li>\n
  • To practise presence, eye contact, and physical stillness in performance<\/li>\n
  • To explore the connection between senses, language, and emotional memory<\/li>\n
  • To build confidence in sharing personal creative work with an audience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator sep_color=”” uncode_shortcode_id=”196013″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”338327″]Materials<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”726570″]<\/p>\n

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    • Sensory questionnaire sheets (prepared in advance), pens, floor tape or markers to define individual squares for performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator sep_color=”” uncode_shortcode_id=”196013″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”225735″]Overview<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”360440″]Participants complete a short sensory questionnaire designed to evoke synaesthetic associations \u2014 colours that sound like something, textures that remind them of a moment, smells that carry an emotion. Using these responses as raw material, each participant composes a short poem. In the performance phase, each person reads their poem from a designated square on the floor, maintaining eye contact with the audience and remaining in place until the applause finishes. The activity combines creative writing with performance practice, reinforcing presence, vulnerability, and expressive clarity.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-564791″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209497″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Step-by-Step Instructions:[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”278951″]<\/p>\n

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      1. Introduction (5 min):<\/strong> Introduce the concept of synaesthesia \u2014 when one sense triggers associations with another (a colour that sounds like something, a sound that has a texture). Explain that the questionnaire will invite them to explore this territory.<\/li>\n
      2. Sensory questionnaire (15 min):<\/strong> Distribute the questionnaire. Sample questions: What colour sounds the loudest? What texture reminds you of a memory? What smell makes you feel safe? What sound has a colour? What emotion has a taste? What sound describes your childhood? Participants answer freely and quickly \u2014 first instinct, not analysis.<\/li>\n
      3. Writing the poem (20 min):<\/strong> Using their questionnaire answers as the raw material, participants write a short poem of any form \u2014 it does not need to rhyme or follow a structure. It can be as long or short as feels right. Encourage them to stay close to the sensory images rather than explaining them.<\/li>\n
      4. Performance preparation (5 min):<\/strong> Mark out individual squares on the floor \u2014 one per participant. Explain that each person will stand in their square, make eye contact with the audience before starting, read their poem, and then remain still in their square until the applause finishes. Stillness after the poem is part of the performance.<\/li>\n
      5. Performances (15\u201325 min):<\/strong> Each participant performs their poem in turn. The rest of the group acts as the audience. Facilitators encourage attentive, respectful watchingA short group discussion follows the performances.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”133428″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037015187{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143312″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”206743″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”761126″]Debriefing and Evaluation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Reflection Questions:<\/p>\n

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        • What was it like to write from the senses rather than from ideas or arguments?<\/li>\n
        • How did it feel to perform and hold eye contact with the audience?<\/li>\n
        • What did you notice about other participants’ poems \u2014 what surprised you?<\/li>\n
        • What did the exercise reveal about how you experience the world through your senses?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          For evaluation, observe participants’ engagement with the writing process, the quality of presence during performance, and the group’s capacity to witness each other with attention and respect.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”850939″]Tips for Facilitators:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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          • Prepare the sensory questionnaire in advance \u2014 test it on yourself to check that the questions evoke genuine images.<\/li>\n
          • Reassure participants that there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ poetry here \u2014 only honest responses.<\/li>\n
          • Model the performance format yourself first: stand in a square, make eye contact, read, and stay still after.<\/li>\n
          • Remind the audience of their role: active, respectful, generous attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”187656″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037027808{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143314″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”183678″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”774224″]Variations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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            • For participants with language barriers, allow the poem to incorporate words from their native language or to use images and drawings instead.<\/li>\n
            • For more advanced groups, experiment with collective poems built from one line contributed by each participant.<\/li>\n
            • Can be combined with the Storytelling activity (sensory exploration through touch and smell) as a two-part session.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”162266″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037033173{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143310″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”130583″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”290916″]Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              The synaesthesia questionnaire can surface personal memories and emotions \u2014 writing and sharing the poem are always voluntary, and participants can keep their work private. The final performance (standing in a square, eye contact, stillness) is an invitation, not a requirement: any participant who prefers to read from their seat, to have the facilitator read for them, or to skip performing entirely is fully participating. Check in briefly with the group before the performance round, and remind them that witnessing others with attention is also an act of participation.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”144912″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143281″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              [vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143257″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”203935″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”628497″]Home\u00a0 |\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":145006,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-144903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-m4-theatre-methods"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144903"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":145911,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144903\/revisions\/145911"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}