WORKSHOPS BEGIN JULY 11th at The Write Act Reperory

THE PERSIANS

COLLECTIVE WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP SYLLABUS

SUMMER – FALL, 2009

DIRECTOR: JOSHUA POHJA

WORKSHOP SPACE: Write Act Stage and The Sanctuary at St. Stephen’s Church.

WORKSHOP HOURS: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Every other Saturday beginning July 11th.

A.  DESCRIPTION

The Workshop will address the value of the technique known as Viewpoints in the rehearsal space.  We will set a standard vocabulary to collaborate and create the October showing of Aeschylus’ ‘The Persians’.

B.  ORGANIZATION

The Duende Collective is a group of classically trained dancers and artists who strive to produce and develop compelling live compositions for the local and international  community.  The Collective seeks to challenge our society with innovative, diverse, socially relevant works and foster artists through vigorous physical dynamics, extensive analysis and humble credence.

C. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

1. To physically introduce Anne Bogart’s Nine Viewpoint philosophy.

2. To physically mine and explore the text of upcoming productions ‘The Persians’.

3. To define the landscape and institute the architecture of the stage design.

4. To strengthen the resonance of the dramatic vocal instrument.

5. To develop the ensemble.

D.  WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS

Participants should wear loose fitting clothing that is comfortable to move in and must be comfortable working in bare feet. All participants will be required to arrive 10-15 minutes before Workshop begins for individual warm-up.

E.  WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The following is a breakdown of how each Workshop will be organized.  Exercises will vary as we progress, but the basic structure of the Workshop will remain.

8:00 am – 8:30 am    ARRIVING IN SPACE

The entire group is led through exercises grounded in Viewpoint Fundamentals and led by director.  A special emphasis is placed on developing Soft Focus and building the necessary awareness of others in time and space.

8:30 am – 9:50 am    Introduction to Viewpoints.

9:50 am – 10:00 am    10 Minute Break.

10:00 am – 11:00 am    Group Improvisations

Participants are separated into 2 groups, alternating between one improvising while the other observes.  Director determines length of each exercise before alternating, incorporating the Viewpoints individually and building upon each.  The goal is to work toward Open Viewpoints which focus on ensemble and incorporation of all 9 Viewpoints simultaneously.

11:00 am – 11:45 am   TEXT BASED IMPROVISATIONS

Group improvisation continue as described above in 2 separate groups with the focus shifting to specific themes based on the text of ‘The Persians’.

11:45 am – 12:00 pm  DISCUSSION / WRAP-UP

Closing discussion and evaluation.  A dialogue between participants and director reflecting on the work of the day and establishing goals and homework for the next Workshop.