Master Classes
“I follow the joy of physical theatre, immersive, devising and space-based work. Yet, it is not only joy but the desire for meaning, connection and understanding that drives my practice. This is why I do not just study technique but context. Art has always been vital, it is a fundamental part of living and an expression of the spirit. So how do we allow ourselves to develop, to connect and to be more in tune with the world?”
“Viewpoints is a technique of improvisation that grew out of the post-modern dance world and was first articulated by choreographer Mary Overlie. She broke down the two dominant issues with which performers deal - time and space - into six categories; hence, the name Six Viewpoints. Since that time, Artistic Director Anne Bogart and SITI have expanded her notions and adapted Viewpoints as a basis for actor training. Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to quickly generate bold theatrical work. It develops flexibility, articulation, strength in movement and speaking, and makes ensemble playing a reality.” -SITI Company
What appeals to me about Viewpoints is that it is the joining of insight and intuition. It allows the composer/choreographer/devisers to break down work by individual elements. Viewpoints encourages the creation of a language suited for the environment of the show. It builds a company who can take ownership for their part and contribute more than the prescriptive role of actor, designer, musician etc..
The founder of the theatrical method of Viewpoints is Anne Bogart. In her ’book,”And Then You Act”, she talks about how she started shows in non-theatre spaces. One of my greatest inspirations is architecture. For me, shows are as visual as they are auditory and every space is a character, It’s where everything is generated. Viewpoints creates a language of physicality, being able to name and describe the way a space and a body relate, how we interlock, does as much to honour a story as any text.
In this workshop we will go through the physical viewpoints and potentially make a short piece using these practices, depending on the time.
Viewpoints
Shape your process - a generative practice coupled with discipline and rigour makes room for epiphanies. Inspired by MacArthur Genius Award Winners’ Robert Root-Bernstein and Liz Lerman's study of creativity, this unique workshop will map out a physical, mental and emotional path to expand and grow as a performer and creative maker.
The Nature of a Creative Practice
Joining insight and intuition, we can reconstruct the bridge between the head and the body. This physical theatre and movement course couples Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints with studies in repatterning and experiential motion. Learn how to approach surrealist, absurd and magical realist text from a physical perspective. The world is your body, a microcosm of emotion and insight - let’s flourish!
Imagination and the Body
An Actor’s Choice: this is the key - drop in. Build a character you are entirely integrated into - honest, truthful, fully realized, while still being emotionally and physically safe. Choice Work is a simple repeatable process. This is a way for actors to take agency of their role, be it an audition, scene work or a full production; you don’t need a director to have a phenomenal performance, you need the right tools. Choice Work will be integrated with Viewpoints and Moment Work to provide a cohesive physical and mental practice.