Module II: Narrative
Module II: Narrative
Narrative is how we make sense of the world around us, and how we relate to ourselves. The artist’s job is to edit the structure of space and time, in order to create a specific narrative. This course trains the performer to think about narrative structure, and to translate that structure into a performance. This course teaches techniques in how to edit time and space. Working with condensed playing spaces, actors can create sweeping vistas, epic spaces, and heart pounding action, without the benefit of technical support. Working collaboratively, participants will create short narrative pieces, based on the techniques learned in the class.
The purpose of this Dramatic Space workshop is to empower artists to tackle narrative in new ways, using principles and techniques of physical theater. Designed modularly, this two segment course caters to the needs and interests of the individual artist. Taken together, it comprises a six hour physical theater intensive. The central topic approached is the physical approach to narrative.
This workshop interrogates the “Golden Triangle of Movement”, the relationship between Time, Space, and Body. None of these elements have any meaning without the other two. By manipulating each of these interdependent elements, the performer gains control over narrative. This principal holds true across the range of performance and narrative disciplines. Fundamental concepts such as rhythm, musicality, tension, engagement, and fixed point serve the artist in every field.
Participants should come prepared to move, improvise, and collaborate. Exercises are designed to provoke questions and elicit discovery. Participants can expect to gain practical tools for adaptation, movement analysis, as well as increased physical confidence and spatial awareness, and experience with collaboration and ensemble work. The work of Dramatic Space is in discovering tools which aid the artist’s individual creativity and style.