Write and play

Abstract

In the present work, several concentric routes are proposed around the idea of playing in literary workshops. At first, considerations regarding the literary workshop as a unique space with its own characteristics are developed (what is called a "workshop"?, what is its purpose?, who integrates it?, who coordinates it? , what kind of knowledge circulates?, are some of the questions on which the reflection revolves). In a second moment, it seeks to investigate the role of the game in the workshop, as a natural protagonist, but also as a conflict agent. In this sense, the dimensions involved are delimited, namely: time - space - body - word, as axes that allow stressing the usual characterization of reading and writing as solitary and silent activities. What appears in the background of these disquisitions is the status of language as a toy, and in this framework, the instance of play as that which compromises everything we know and everything we are. Finally, the particular case of a literary workshop coordinated by the author is described and analyzed, as a significant experience that gives vital depth and gives intimate resonance to the previous considerations.