Improvised physical play with words for movers
Using the body as our instrument is a common practice in dancing, but how can we add vocal expression to our performing? How can we feed voice or text back into our bodies as inspiration for movement? Embodying Text opens a toolbox to using voice in improvised performance for movers of any genre or level.
Inspired by Al Wunder’s Theatre of the Ordinary, Ruth Zaporah’s Action Theater and the work of Andrew Morrish, this workshop promotes an experiential way of learning. Participants discover what they like doing, what they like seeing and take responsibility for developing their own style of theatrical self-presentation.
We start warming up the body and voice using a variety of images and exercises focused towards certain themes for each day. This moves into performances for other participants where we learn by doing and watching. The experience of creating with a public present is an essential part of the process. Feedback sessions help both the performer and public evaluate their preferences, strengths and foci, to further improve the experience from both angles.
Susanne Bentley
