ALPHABETS OF THE STAGE – BODY, VOICE, RHYTHM - INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP in POLAND, 31.05- 6.06

Lasting 6 days workshop will be an intense acting training based on Chorea Theatre’s experience. We will concentrate on working with the body, voice and rhythm and on searching for the ways in which the actor can use these means simultaneously. The workshops will include a demanding physical and constitutional training with elements of acrobatics, dance (and stage movement) and choreography based on uneven rhythm canons as well as extensive work with the voice – from breathing exercises to unconventional ways of using vocal apparatus and singing chants. The aim of the workshop is to develop a diverse language of expression and communication as well as original, innovative theatrical forms within the group of participants. BODY Each day will start with intense physical training prepared by Chorea’s actors. The next step will be introducing elements of acrobatics, therein, the basics of working with a partner and the space, mutual attention, assurance, body consciousness, group consciousness and interaction with partner. We will also take up choreography, which is a result of many years of the team’s study of ancient iconography, drawings on ceramics, bass-reliefs and ancient mosaics. Musical polyphonic and polyrhythmic patterns will be built on the movement structures elaborated by participants. Part of the work will be devoted to building up the musicality, dynamism and energy of the group. VOICE Basic breathing exercises, controlling the diaphragmatic breath, activating resonators and working on the timbre of voice will serve to develop the natural vocal capabilities of participants. The next step will be building the compound harmonic consonances and learning to sing chants coming from different circles of tradition, including ancient Greek chant composed by Chorea. RHYTHM The significant part of the workshops will be devoted to working with rhythm and its meaning in the theatre. The main emphasis will be put on irregular rhythms – specifically found in Antiquity, Balkan music, Middle Eastern and Jazz… Working with rhythm will allow us to introduce our method of playing out text and music on stage. We will introduce uneven rhythms, by means of simple steps, clapping hands, voice and rhythmic gestures – so by concentrating on finding the rhythm of our own body and consequently the rhythm of the group. We will use original passages from ancient Greek tragedies and ancient chants as well as compositions from our performances. The final phase of the workshops will be binding all of the above described elements of Chorea’s acting training and creating a short theatrical form. The workshops will be conducted in English. Additionally, during the workshops we will present 2 performances: 31st May, 8.30 p.m., Åšpiewy Eurypidesa (Euripides’s Songs), Chorea Theatre 1st June, in the evening, MiaÅ‚em taki sen (I had a dream), Cinema Theatre TIME: 31st May – 6th June 2009 PLACE: Fabryka Sztuki w Łodzi, ul. Tymienieckiego 3, 90-365 Łódź, Poland APPLICATIONS: Via email: chorea@chorea.com.pl, latispinus@o2.pl We ask to attach the following data in your application email: First and last name, telephone number and email address, age, and few words about your experience with theatre, art… We will choose 15 participants from the applications. Application deadline: 25th April 2009 We can certify the participation in workshops on request. PRICE: € 300, € 200 – for participants from Eastern Europe The participants cover the costs of travel, accommodation and food. We offer free coffee, tea, water and snacks on-the-spot. PAYMENT: Advance payment on the Theatre’s account: € 100 by 15th May 2009 PLEASE NOTE: The advance payment confirms participation in the workshops. Please title your bank transfer: international workshops, name of the participant CONTACT: Stowarzyszenie Teatralne Chorea / Chorea Theatrical Association Tymienieckiego 3, 90-365 Łódź, Poland Mobile: +48 506 103 207 +48 42/ 646 88 65 extension: 30 www.chorea.com.pl chorea@chorea.com.pl BANK TRANSFER DATA: Stowarzyszenie Teatralne Chorea ul. Gardzienice II/ 28 21-050 Piaski, Polska BPH S.A.: 30 1060 0076 0000 3200 0092 1568 USEFUL INFORMATION: Accommodation in Łódź: www.noclegi-lodz.pl www.yhlodz.pl www.3po3.eu There is also possibility to book a room in Łódź Film School dormitory! WHAT IS GOING ON IN POLAND AT THIS TIME? International Theatre Festival THE WORLD AS A PLACE OF TRUTH 14th–30th June, Wroclaw http://rokgrotowskiego.pl Brave Festival. Against Cultural Exile. 3rd - 11th July, Wroclaw www.bravefestival.pl