Theater and performance makers often think of movement in terms of “5, 6, 7, 8.” This workshop invites you to explore how you move in a far more expansive sense. Using scores, prompts, and compositional experiments, we will get deep into our bodies, unlocking their potential as sources of unique, unbridled creativity.

At the core of this workshop is a commitment to finding curiosity, rigor, and joy in the body, so that you can develop, probe, and stretch theatrical ideas. Each day begins with a warm-up, and then the stage is set for a variety of exercises on your feet, as well as group discussions and reflections. You will have ample opportunity to generate new material—both individually and as a hydra-headed collaborative ensemble—as well as the chance to share work-in-progress.

You may sweat! You may get tired! You may find yourself doing things you’ve never done before! We will work and rest—and hydrate—and have an extremely weird fun time. As we will discover together, the beauty of a physical performance practice is that it makes space for extreme levels of play, failure, openness, and camaraderie.

Prior training in physical theater or dance is not required. Comfort with exertion and risk-taking, however, is vital.

ABOUT LISA FAGAN

Lisa Fagan is a choreographer, performer, and experimental performance maker based in New York City whose work has been called the “High Weird” by critics. She is also the director/choreographer and a practicing member of the experimental performance company CHILD, which was recently artist in residence at Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC Open Fall 2023). Recent: Deepe Darknesse, presented by New York Live Arts, HILMA (choreographer) at the Wilma Theater (Philadelphia), coproduced by New Georges (NYC). Fagan’s work has been presented in NYC by: New York Live Arts (Live Artery 2024, Fresh Track 2018), Baryshnikov Arts Center, Prelude Festival, Immediate Medium, Mercury Store, Radiohole, LifeWorld, Target Margin, HERE Arts, Bard College (Choreographer: Promenade, dir. Morgan Green), the Exponential Festival (2019/20 Exponential Fellow), Mabou Mines, Ars Nova, Movement Research, Gibney, Roulette, The 92nd Street Y, and others. She collaborates with many artists across disciplines supporting their shows choreographically and as movement director. On-screen choreography credits include the TV pilot THESE DAYS, premiering at Sundance 2021, and various music videos. www.lisafagandanceproblems.com @lfdanceproblems

Contact the host of Physical Performance Practices with Lisa Fagan