Why I Play: Marie James

"Playing is the natural way I interact with the world and with

people. It is the start of evething I do".

Welcome to our 'Why I Play' series, the place where we get to talk to interesting people who use play in their practice, work and life. They share with us their play techniques and their thoughts on why playing is crucial for all humans regardless of age. The first interview of this series features The Pink Pony's founder and 'Pony-Executive-Officer' Marie James.

Ready to play?

This is me at The Pink Pony's Hackney Farm Capsule playground!

What do you do?

I am the founder and 'Pony-Executive-Officer' of The Pink Pony (playful industries), a creative and social enterprise that aims to bring the positive power of play to people, communities and organisations. And to ultimately contribute to build a better, more caring, loving and playful world.

When was the last time you played?

This morning in my dance class. I feel that dancing is very similar to playing as it is an invitation to play with your body to explore and create new ways to interact with yourself, the others and your environment - outside of the normal, functionnal use of the body. And ultimately new ways to comprehend the world. In this way both are a highly creative processes - and require to hack the existing to create the new.

How do you use play in your work?

In my work I use playfulness as a way to get individuals and groups connect and engage with their peers and environment in a more authentic and deep way. To create a feeling of community. We do that through the creation of our playgrounds i.e. play sessions during which participants are invited to immerse in, play and follow a transformative journey. The goal of the journey can vary as I strongly believe that play can engage people to deeply engage with all sorts of things, issues and topics.

What do you get from playing?

Playing is the natural way I interact with the world and with people. It is the start of evething I do. Playing makes me happier and more in touch with my inner self - and ultimately it helps me to create more authentic, creative, heart-lighted and active connections with others and the world. I feel somehow that when I am playing with people - through simple things like a joke, a smile or when I'm wearing colorful outfits that people engage with - I manage to reach a deeper part in people that the usual interaction or chitchat would not reveal. Playing also allows me to always look at the world from a new perspective and be endlessly creative and active.

Why do you think play is important for people in general - and not only children? Playing is crucial if we, as adults, want to achieve better - more loving, authentic and caring - relationships with ourselves, with others and with our environment. And if we manage to do this as individuals, society and the environment will eventually become happier too! If you were an imaginary animal what would it be? You know the answer. A pink bunny ^^

#play #interview #whyIplay #thepinkpony