Stamp Work Shop VI

Unfortunately I was sick for the fifth work shop. A fellow participant explained that in the fifth work shop there was a focus on sound and movement. Additionally, they reproduced the video of the performers from the 1931 Mexican Day of the Dead, then recreated their own version.

Following is a description of the sxith and final work shop with Brook Stamp. For more detailed descriptions of the exercises please refer to the post titled Stamp!

"Moving Blind with Observation"
We finished the way we had started the very first work shop. Brooke really encouraged us to use sounds, to use our breath to help produce sounds. To find sounds that are deep within us. I worked on this through out the exercise. I concentrated using breath and movement to push out sounds and I found my self-conciousness about doing this slipping away.

"This is an Action"
We began moving through the space in our own time in our own way but after a while we transitioned into a circle so we could share our dance with each other. Brooke bought the following words into the circle: replicate, compliment and contrast.

"Authentic Words" & "Directing"
We split into three groups and spent maybe five minutes writing down authentic words. Taking turns we called out (and wrote down) what ever word came to mind. One person from each group then read out the list of 'authentic' words to the rest of the group.

In groups of 4/5 we choose 10 words from all three lists. One group gave their list to another group to read out so they could move and respond to their own chosen words, ie one group performing and one group directing.

We then shortened our list to five words. We added three types of energies and three spatial elements. Again with one group moving/responding (performers), another group (directors) read out the performers new list. Brooke asked both performers and directors to be aware of the dynamics between the performers and make consciousness decisions about the words and/or combination of words to use, when to use them and to whom the words were directed at.

Brooke discussed how the above exercise can produce layer upon layer and at some point the director can begin to strip back once they realise the essential elements.