f. Writing or Painting a Creative Response
This activity lasts about 1 hour and can be used in any framework.
1. Many young people are very moved by learning about the Ghetto but find themselves unable to express this in a group discussion. You may find that these people will respond better through an individualized medium.
2. Firstly, introduce the group to the issue of the Ghetto and the Underground either through one of the above activities or any other you prefer.
3. Find online, or from your local Jewish library or resource centre: images, photos, paintings and excerpts of diaries or letters. These should depict life in the Ghetto and the Underground in a very realistic manner. Make sure that, where necessary, you provide background information, so that people do not feel lost.
4. Now ask participants to respond in any creative way that they choose to what they have learnt
5. and seen. It can be through them writing a diary, or a letter; they may choose to paint or use modelling clay. The goal is to enable them to express themselves in response to the material. When they have finished, they should talk about what they have produced and present their work to the group.
6. It is important to remember that no matter how "untalented" people think they are, everyone is capable of artistic expression.