Embodied Dramaturgy – redirecting

Welcome

Dear Reader

 

Thank you for your interest in our 1-Year postgraduate program in Embodied Dramaturgy, which is offered as a collaboration between arthaus.berlin international school and the Thomas Prattki Centre for Integral Movement and Performance Studies. The program addresses advanced practitioners in the performing arts with an interest in professional development within a laboratory style environment, which combines advanced training, research and project development in the field of devised performance. The program is made of 6 modules of 4 or 2 weeks each, which all investigate through different dramaturgical approaches the relationship between embodied identity, individuation and Self realisation. After completing these modules you will embark on an 7-week research project, either alone or in collaboration with fellow artists. The research project can take place in Berlin or any location/country of your own choice.  The program finishes with a presentation of your project – either at the school or through video documentation.

 

Each module investigates through means of performance a different aspect of embodiment and how it shapes one’s sense of  identity, individuation and Self realisation. The different modules form all a thematic unit in itself, making it possible to apply to a specific module of your own choice without completing the full program, or to complete the program in your own timing.

 

We wish to create an environment, where practitioners from around the world can research and create, feel challenged and inspired and learn from and with each other to develop a culture of creative autonomy and collaboration in the field of devised performance and beyond.

 

We look forward to welcome you at our campus in Berlin.

the arthaus.berlin team

Welcome

Dear Reader

 

Thank you for your interest in our 1-Year postgraduate program in Embodied Dramaturgy, which is offered as a collaboration between arthaus.berlin international school and the Thomas Prattki Centre for Integral Movement and Performance Studies. The program addresses advanced practitioners in the performing arts with an interest in professional development within a laboratory style environment, which combines advanced training, research and project development in the field of devised performance. The program is made of 6 modules of 4 or 2 weeks each, which all investigate through different dramaturgical approaches the relationship between embodied identity, individuation and Self realisation. After completing these modules you will embark on an 7-week research project, either alone or in collaboration with fellow artists. The research project can take place in Berlin or any location/country of your own choice.  The program finishes with a presentation of your project – either at the school or through video documentation.

 

Each module investigates through means of performance a different aspect of embodiment and how it shapes one’s sense of  identity, individuation and Self realisation. The different modules form all a thematic unit in itself, making it possible to apply to a specific module of your own choice without completing the full program, or to complete the program in your own timing.

 

We wish to create an environment, where practitioners from around the world can research and create, feel challenged and inspired and learn from and with each other to develop a culture of creative autonomy and collaboration in the field of devised performance and beyond.

 

We look forward to welcome you at our campus in Berlin.

the arthaus.berlin team

Program Structure

The program is offered in a more open and fluid format, providing you with different options to complete it. This gives you more autonomy to choose what feels best for you, allows you to learn and create in your own rhythm and offers, if your body is asking for it, the necessary time to digest the experiences made so far before continuing your journey at the school in your very own pace. The program offers six modules of 4 or 2 weeks each and a 7-week independent research project. Each module is led by a small team of teachers, allowing for a personal learning atmosphere, and is open to advanced practitioners in the field, whether as students on the full time program or as participants with an interest in a particular module only. The independent research project concludes the full time program and allows you to research, create and share a piece of work, which demonstrates your artistic growth over the length of the program. No matter which option you choose, they all have the same aim : To foster your growth as an artist, in your own rhythm, on your way to creative autonomy and artistic Self realization.   

 

Option 1

You complete all the modules of the program as well as an independent research project in the proposed order between October and June of the following year.

 

Option 2

You complete all the modules as well as the independent research project in your own pace, giving you the opportunity to complete the program over a longer period of time.

 

Option 3

You complete any three of the five 4-week modules of the program in your own pace as well as 8 weeks of workshops you choose from the arthaus.berlin workshop space, before embarking on the independent research project.

Program Structure

The program is offered in a more open and fluid format, providing you with different options to complete it. This gives you more autonomy to choose what feels best for you, allows you to learn and create in your own rhythm and offers, if your body is asking for it, the necessary time to digest the experiences made so far before continuing your journey at the school in your very own pace. The program offers six modules of 4 or 2 weeks each and a 7-week independent research project. Each module is led by a small team of teachers, allowing for a personal learning atmosphere, and is open to advanced practitioners in the field, whether as students on the full time program or as participants with an interest in a particular module only. The independent research project concludes the full time program and allows you to research, create and share a piece of work, which demonstrates your artistic growth over the length of the program. No matter which option you choose, they all have the same aim : To foster your growth as an artist, in your own rhythm, on your way to creative autonomy and artistic Self realization.   

 

Option 1

You complete all the modules of the program as well as an independent research project in the proposed order between October and June of the following year.

 

Option 2

You complete all the modules as well as the independent research project in your own pace, giving you the opportunity to complete the program over a longer period of time.

 

Option 3

You complete any three of the five 4-week modules of the program in your own pace as well as 8 weeks of workshops you choose from the arthaus.berlin workshop space, before embarking on the independent research project.

Module 1 Night Sea Journeys

14.10.-08.11. 2019

Night Sea Journeys

The Process of Embodiment

 

Taking the mythological theme of the Night Sea Journey as a point of departure, the module explores the shadowlands of contemporary culture and its relationship to the body. Through mask, myth and movement participants follow the heroInes of all times on their journey towards embodiment of their identity into abyssal darkness, where monsters await, but also creative sources, which trigger transformation, Self realization and the emergence of new paradigms. The module introduces participants to one of the most essential cornerstones of the school’s pedagogy – the process of embodiment through mask and movement and invites dialogue with hidden energies in our own body, which need to be freed on our journey towards artistic and personal autonomy. Participants are invited to create performances, installations, soundscapes, videos, etc, which reflect the nature of their personal and artistic quest, and which they will present at the end of the module.

 

Module Leader : Thomas Prattki

Module 1

14.10.-08.11. 2019

Night Sea Journeys

The Process of Embodiment

 

Taking the mythological theme of the Night Sea Journey as a point of departure, the module explores the shadowlands of contemporary culture and its relationship to the body. Through mask, myth and movement participants follow the heroInes of all times on their journey towards embodiment of their identity into abyssal darkness, where monsters await, but also creative sources, which trigger transformation, Self realization and the emergence of new paradigms. The module introduces participants to one of the most essential cornerstones of the school’s pedagogy – the process of embodiment through mask and movement and invites dialogue with hidden energies in our own body, which need to be freed on our journey towards artistic and personal autonomy. Participants are invited to create performances, installations, soundscapes, videos, etc, which reflect the nature of their personal and artistic quest, and which they will present at the end of the module.

 

Module Leader : Thomas Prattki

Module 2 Drifts into the Unknown

18.11..-13.12. 2019

Drifts into the Unknown

A performative research into the urban body

 

With about 70% of the world population expected to live in urban environments by 2050, the city is about to become one of the most significant spaces to shape personal identity. This module investigates the dynamic relationship between the city and the human body, how they impact each other and the shaping of personal identity. Taking Berlin itself as a point of departure, the module invites participants to create performances, which are inspired by drifts through the different  environments and shifting identities of the urban body. Gathering impressions through a more somatic and subconscious approach to the city allows for an investigation into the relationship between outer and inner constructions, the creation of identity and the emergence of performances around the urban body.

 

Module Leader : Ariel Gutierrez

Module 2

18.11..-13.12. 2019

Drifts into the Unknown

A performative research into the urban body

 

With about 70% of the world population expected to live in urban environments by 2050, the city is about to become one of the most significant spaces to shape personal identity. This module investigates the dynamic relationship between the city and the human body, how they impact each other and the shaping of personal identity. Taking Berlin itself as a point of departure, the module invites participants to create performances, which are inspired by drifts through the different  environments and shifting identities of the urban body. Gathering impressions through a more somatic and subconscious approach to the city allows for an investigation into the relationship between outer and inner constructions, the creation of identity and the emergence of performances around the urban body.

 

Module Leader : Ariel Gutierrez

Module 3 Stories of the Shadow Body

6.1.-31.1.2020

Stories of the Shadow Body

From Melodrama to Tragedy

 

“The wound is the place where the light enters you”

– Rumi

The starting point of the journey towards individuation is awareness: the discovery of a wound. But in the beginning of the journey, the HeroIne is not met with help or support as they reveal this wound so that, as Rumi says, the light can enter. On the contrary: the HeroIne is met by forces, both internal and external, that not only resist and reject but also seek to cover up the wound and even destroy the wounded. So the drama between and within the individual, family, community and society arises and you can be sure that it will not end well.

In this four-week intensive, practitioners will be invited to explore the wounded bodies, spaces and stories of today’s world, using existing stories and texts from melodramatic and tragic territories, as well as writing from their own bodies. Through diverse provocations, including building psychological characters, storytelling, delving into music and song and exploring puppetry and object theatre, participants will research and create their own performative forms to convey these big stories and hold this intense drama.

Weeks 1 & 2: Discovering the Wound: Bodies and Spaces of the Melodramatic and Tragic

Weeks 3 & 4: Constructing Performative Spaces and Stories from the Wounded Body

Week 4 will finish with a sharing of the results.

Weeks 3 & 4 of this module will be timetabled concurrent with Module 4 in such a way that a student can take both Modules.

 

Module Leader : Cat Gerrard

Module 3

6.1.-31.1.2020

Stories of the Shadow Body

From Melodrama to Tragedy

 

“The wound is the place where the light enters you”

– Rumi

The starting point of the journey towards individuation is awareness: the discovery of a wound. But in the beginning of the journey, the HeroIne is not met with help or support as they reveal this wound so that, as Rumi says, the light can enter. On the contrary: the HeroIne is met by forces, both internal and external, that not only resist and reject but also seek to cover up the wound and even destroy the wounded. So the drama between and within the individual, family, community and society arises and you can be sure that it will not end well.

In this four-week intensive, practitioners will be invited to explore the wounded bodies, spaces and stories of today’s world, using existing stories and texts from melodramatic and tragic territories, as well as writing from their own bodies. Through diverse provocations, including building psychological characters, storytelling, delving into music and song and exploring puppetry and object theatre, participants will research and create their own performative forms to convey these big stories and hold this intense drama.

Weeks 1 & 2: Discovering the Wound: Bodies and Spaces of the Melodramatic and Tragic

Weeks 3 & 4: Constructing Performative Spaces and Stories from the Wounded Body

Week 4 will finish with a sharing of the results.

Weeks 3 & 4 of this module will be timetabled concurrent with Module 4 in such a way that a student can take both Modules.

 

Module Leader : Cat Gerrard

Module 4 The Body's Ink

20.1.-31.1.2020

The Body’s Ink

Intersections between improvisation and composition: the crossover between theatre and dance
Creation often starts with an idea. What happens when this process is reversed by starting from the creators body in space and movement? Layers of physical tasks will lead the performer to a state of psychophysical alertness which enables him/her to find meaning in unexpected ways, beyond his usual perspective of perception. Celebrating the uncertainty, the work is an invitation committing to rules and letting them drop until the body is no longer the subject, but the instrument that makes the invisible visible, allowing poetry to emerge.
The dramatic content of the created material begins to be glimpsed.
Elements of Alexander Technique, Dance, Viewpoints and Instant Composition will flow in the somatic and physical preparation. It allows the potential of the artist as a whole, including unconscious processes and intuition to create, relating to space, time, form, movement, emotions and story.
During these weeks, the roles of external eye and creator-performer, both fundamental to advance in this process of composition, will be rotated.

This module will be timetabled concurrent with Week 3 & 4 of Module 3 in such a way that a student can take both Modules.

 

Module Leader : Valentina Bordenave

Module 4

20.1.-31.1.2020

The Body’s Ink

Intersections between improvisation and composition: the crossover between theatre and dance
Creation often starts with an idea. What happens when this process is reversed by starting from the creators body in space and movement? Layers of physical tasks will lead the performer to a state of psychophysical alertness which enables him/her to find meaning in unexpected ways, beyond his usual perspective of perception. Celebrating the uncertainty, the work is an invitation committing to rules and letting them drop until the body is no longer the subject, but the instrument that makes the invisible visible, allowing poetry to emerge.
The dramatic content of the created material begins to be glimpsed.
Elements of Alexander Technique, Dance, Viewpoints and Instant Composition will flow in the somatic and physical preparation. It allows the potential of the artist as a whole, including unconscious processes and intuition to create, relating to space, time, form, movement, emotions and story.
During these weeks, the roles of external eye and creator-performer, both fundamental to advance in this process of composition, will be rotated.

This module will be timetabled concurrent with Week 3 & 4 of Module 3 in such a way that a student can take both Modules.

 

Module Leader : Valentina Bordenave

Module 5 The Liminoid Body

10.2.-6.3. 2020

The Liminoid Body

Distortions of Normativity

 

The module investigates the voluntarily distortion of conventions, norms and paradigms through the Anarchic, the Grotesque and the Androgynous. Taking the distortion of the physical body as a point of departure, participants discover the worlds of the Mysterious, the Buffonesque and the Grotesque as well as the worlds of the Trickster, the Shaman and the Clown. before embarking on the construction of stories and spaces, which explore the quest for and fear of Otherness as a phenomenon in ancient myths as well as in contemporary culture. Through painting, sculpting, performing and other means of creative expressions participants are invited to make contact with those layers within their body, which move fearless towards individuation and Self realization.

 

Module Leader : Thomas Prattki

Module 5

10.2.-6.3. 2020

The Liminoid Body

Distortions of Normativity

 

The module investigates the voluntarily distortion of conventions, norms and paradigms through the Anarchic, the Grotesque and the Androgynous. Taking the distortion of the physical body as a point of departure, participants discover the worlds of the Mysterious, the Buffonesque and the Grotesque as well as the worlds of the Trickster, the Shaman and the Clown. before embarking on the construction of stories and spaces, which explore the quest for and fear of Otherness as a phenomenon in ancient myths as well as in contemporary culture. Through painting, sculpting, performing and other means of creative expressions participants are invited to make contact with those layers within their body, which move fearless towards individuation and Self realization.

 

Module Leader : Thomas Prattki

Module 6 The Future is Fluid

9.3.-3.4. 2020

The Witness

Constructing Integral Spaces

 

The module is run by Julie Beauvais, artist and director currently based in Switzerland. This innovative 4-week intensive provides an approach that goes beyond the traditional divisions into media (movement, architecture, music, video, installation and new media), themes (old or new paradigms, spaces, temporalities, performative and non-performative forms) or methods (studio work, outdoors experiments, collective or individual initiatives). Its unusual groupings are based on the hybrid reality of contemporary artistic practice. The classes offer an interdisciplinary technical approach and a series of 1:1-scale artistic experiments.

Read about Julie’s work THE WITNESS at this link

Module Leader : Julie Beauvais

Module 6

9.3.-3.4. 2020

The Witness

Constructing Integral Spaces

 

The module is run by Julie Beauvais, artist and director currently based in Switzerland. This innovative 4-week intensive provides an approach that goes beyond the traditional divisions into media (movement, architecture, music, video, installation and new media), themes (old or new paradigms, spaces, temporalities, performative and non-performative forms) or methods (studio work, outdoors experiments, collective or individual initiatives). Its unusual groupings are based on the hybrid reality of contemporary artistic practice. The classes offer an interdisciplinary technical approach and a series of 1:1-scale artistic experiments.

Read about Julie’s work THE WITNESS at this link

Module Leader : Julie Beauvais

Research Projects

20.4.-12.6. 2020

Individual Research Projects

The individual research projects give each student an opportunity to create a body of work, which reflects the nature of her/his journey as an artist and human being. The research projects can take place in a location of your own choice around a theme of your interest. You will be invited to document your research and to share your project. You can share your work at the arthaus.berlin Summer Festival or in any other setting of your own choice. During the initial research phase you will choose two mentors, one team member of the arthaus.berlin team and another external mentor of your own choice.

Individual Research Projects

20.4.-12.6. 2020

Individual Research Projects

The individual research projects give each student an opportunity to create a body of work, which reflects the nature of her/his journey as an artist and human being. The research projects can take place in a location of your own choice around a theme of your interest. You will be invited to document your research and to share your project. You can share your work at the arthaus.berlin Summer Festival or in any other setting of your own choice. During the initial research phase you will choose two mentors, one team member of the arthaus.berlin team and another external mentor of your own choice.

Admissions

Applications and Auditions

 

Please send the following materials to the school via email

 

Completed Application Form (Download PDF / Download docx)

 

Statement of Interest

We would like to know more about your interest in the course. Please send us a scan of a hand-written letter of motivation explaining why you would like to study at arthaus.berlin.

 

Curriculum Vitae

Please give us an insight into your education, artistic training, theatrical experience and other fields of interest. Be sure to include complete contact information, your date of birth, and your nationality/passport country in your CV.

 

Letter of Recommendation

Please include a scan of one original letter of recommendation from a former teacher, director or training institute. No faxed copies or emailed letters will be accepted.

 

Evidence of Qualifications

Enclose scanned copies of relevant degrees, certificates or transcripts.

 

Financial Statement

Please include a comprehensive financial statement explaining how you intend to pay for both the training and your costs of living in Berlin. Include scanned bank statements where appropriate. If funded or supported by a relative, include a scan of a statement signed by them, along with their full contact details.

 

Photo

Please include one recent photo of yourself – a passport photo is sufficient.

 

For any clarification about the application process don’t hesitate to