A Playwright’s Perspective on Systemic Constellations
Revealing Dynamics That Shape Story
Contributed by Nita Wolf, Playwright & Producer
I would like to thank Nita Wolf, who I have known for a long time sharing our passion for theater for her curiosity and courage to go where no playwright in Australia has gone before and discover the method of Systemic Constellations for script development. Another big moment we shared. I always believed that the stage is, like the systemic constellation space, a magic place of deep connection, authenticity and presence. It has been such an amazing opportunity to hold space for Nita’s work and I am so happy that she is happy to share her experience here. (Ursula D.)
As an emerging writer with a focus on immersive theatre, I have been developing a script titled The Library Comes Alive. The play follows six iconic women from history who emerge from the shelves of a library to share their stories of survival and determination. While I had a clear vision for the individual characters, I struggled to find a cohesive, unifying theme to bridge their diverse experiences across centuries and cultures.
When Ursula approached me about participating in her first systemic constellation specifically designed for script-writing, I jumped at the opportunity to uncover the deeper links between my characters.
The process was incredibly impressive. Ursula utilised paper placeholders for each character, which I placed face-down to ensure the process remained “blind.” A participant representing each character then approached the placeholders and described the sensations felt.
I was amazed by the accuracy of the descriptions. Without knowing which character he stood for, described one as “grounded” with “roots growing out”, perfectly capturing the essence of an Indigenous survivor and healer I had written. When standing over the placeholder for Frida Kahlo, he physically collapsed to one side, mirroring the crippling injuries that defined much of her life.
Under Ursula’s expert guidance, we expanded the field to include representatives for “societal pressures,” “inner truth,” and “the audience.”
Watching these forces interact provided immediate, visceral feedback. It not only confirmed my existing characterisations but also illuminated specific personality traits and historical focus areas that I hadn’t yet fully explored.
One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred when Ursula focused on the circular formation I had intuitively chosen for the placeholders.
As a group we worked to identify the “force” at the center of that circle: the unifying theme I had been searching for. Through this exploration, we uncovered concepts of the patriarchy, societal expectation, time and destiny. It revealed that these women were all driven by a force so consuming they were compelled to act, accepting their destinies regardless of the personal cost, consequences or even understanding the positive impact their actions would have on future generations.
This constellation was an invaluable turning point for my creative process. It provided a massive boost to my confidence, confirming that my character choices were resonant and authentic while providing conceptions and explorations points for the linking theme the script was missing.
I highly recommend Ursula’s script-writing constellations for any writer looking to deepen their character development, clarify their themes, or understand their audience’s perspective on a somatic level. It is a powerful, thought-provoking tool that yields immediate and impactful results.
March 2026