The Playful Path
(Room JW Grand Ballroom 9)
06 Jul 18
3:00 PM
-
4:15 PM
I have a deep and abiding passion for games and the importance of play as a lifelong pursuit. Fun isn't something we outgrow. It's a vital part of life. My goal is to open doors to the wider world of play to audiences around the world, and I do that through The Spiel and Major Fun, my online show and award-winning program celebrating board and card games; the Spiel Foundation, which donates bundles of quality games to children's hospitals and senior centers; and documentary films exploring the world of fun. Little did I know I would meet my kindred spirit, Bernie DeKoven, late in his life. Bernie has been the patron saint of playfulness and fun since the 1960s. His life and philosophy are a testament to the power and importance of play, and his career helped shape the game-filled world we live in today. I am working on a documentary chronicling his life and philosophy. I'd like to talk about the playful path Bernie found, the very same path I've been walking, and show how anyone can join me for a stroll. I'll show some clips of the documentary, do a few demonstrations (perhaps with help from the audience), and, if time permits, take questions from the peanut gallery.