The realm of clothes and costumes is rich with diverse meanings, spanning from their practical functions of covering and safeguarding the body, to their sensory evocations of touch, scent and memory, as well as their role in shaping identity, culture and fostering a sense of belonging. Whether consciously or not, our clothes often tell the world around us how to read us. In performance, costumes often guide our perception of the piece, shaping context and directing attention.
As both a choreographer and costume designer, Lee often encounters uncertainties about costumes' role in performances. This led her to develop a ‘hands on’ tactile approach, inviting playful and intuitive engagement with costumes. In this workshop, we will throw clothes, textiles and objects onto ourselves and around us. In return they will throw back possibilities for choreography at us.
Grounded in the concept of ‘shifting mediums’, a movement methodology Lee’s been refining, which blurs the boundaries between movement, voice, costumes, and objects, we'll seamlessly blend intuitive exploration with reflective analysis to explore questions such as: How do costumes and props not only inspire but also shape movement? How do they affect the way we see and are seen?
Participants are requested to bring at least five items to the workshop that can serve as materials. These could include clothes, objects, textiles, and materials like plastic or paper –anything that sparks creativity or excitement. It's recommended to choose items that you're not concerned about potentially getting damaged.
