|
STAGING ECSTASY Howard Barker and The Wrestling School have produced perhaps some of the most controversial theatre in the UK. These exhilarating but challenging works inspire hatred in some but passionate devotion in countless others. Why? What are the characteristics of this work?
TWS Summer Schools are of interest to both the practioner (actor/director) who wants to gain a greater insight into approaches to presenting Howard Barker’s texts on stage and those who wish to take a more academic/analytical approach to the texts and gain greater understanding of Barker’s underlying theories of theatre and the highly individual and ground breaking aesthetic he has developed over the past 21 years.
We hope to hold another Summer School 'Playing in his world and speaking his language leaves one hot, speechless, exhausted and exhilarated - as theatre should be. Thank you to all for creating a terrifically generous, warm and openly experimental atmosphere. Brilliant!' ‘A compelling experience…… I arrived feeling a little apprehensive and nervous but left feeling exhilarated and inspired…’ ‘The atmosphere was extremely conducive to exploring Barker's texts and the input of Barker and Wrestling School actors over the three days on performing the physicality as well as the textual elements of Barker's plays was most rewarding. It was a well-organised and extremely useful experience for any scholar, actor, or playwright enthused by Barker's theatre work and was well worth the long trip from Australia.’ Outline Content Theatre of Catastrophe HB talks about some of the underlying theories in his approach to his writing Poetic text and the actor Examination of the technical demands and rewards of working with Barker texts. Sounding the text Practical work in sensing that Barker’s texts are the gestural in sound; the excitation of the text into the palate and the mind is a somatic experience, which when fully articulated, renders a Barker text clear, exhilarating and real. Analysing the text Talk by a writer/researcher on approaches to analysing Howard Barker’s work and his theories of the Theatre of Catastrophe The development of an aesthetic philosophy Howard Barker reflects on the development of the company’s style. There will be opportunities for practical work on Barker texts, though these sessions are not compulsory for people who would rather just observe.
Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation on campus with breakfast is included along with a welcome lunch. The last night concluded with an optional meal out in Exeter.
|
|
|
A 3 day residential Summer School led by Howard Barker
This intensive practical residential school led by Howard Barker and key Wrestling School practioners explored the practice, techniques and underlying theories that make up the Howard Barker/Wrestling School approach to these extraordinary texts.
Why do we present plays at all? 
The Ecstatic Bible [ISBN 1-84002-413-5] is published by Oberon 
Location These residential schools have taken place amid the attractive surroundings of the campus of Exeter University, just 2 ½ hours by train from London and with good rail connections to all parts of the UK. The venues are fully accessible. Further information on 
2010 Fee: £450