Tools for Science Fiction Performance

#performance #dance

We will share tools and methods to unleash utopian potential within the artistic scenarios we are creating. The workshop addresses science-fiction performance practices and related techniques.

Challenging the common definition of u-topia as a place that does not exist, Cécile Bally and Florian Feigl will introduce tools&methods that allow to identify and articulate utopian potentials within the artistic scenarios we are creating. Along those lines we will also work towards a more precise understanding of limits that keep us from following the ways to utopia: limits we set for ourselves and limits which are set for us (by cultural, social contexts, etc.). The workshop addresses performance practices from solo, through duo and trio to group exercises and includes moderate theoretical contexts, discussions, writing exercises and DIY techniques. Topics will include scenario planning, game theory, salsa aerobic, permaculture design principles, role-playing and instant costume design among others. In this workshop Cécile and Florian will share tools they use in their own art practice to create Science-Fiction. In order to explore places they have not been yet, to question their own practices, to challenge the known and un-known knowledge they are operating upon,  they embrace diverse and at times ecclectic fields of references such as dance, choreography, performance as art, practice based research, history of performance art, art theory and some more deviant areas such as black metal, economic theory, philosophy, game theory, vampirism, meditation, and sleight of hand. They inscribe their work in the genre of science fiction and share a deep interest in all its artistic and poetic facettes from the historic beginnings (Thomas Morus), through classics (Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Octavia Butler) to the most contemporary articulations of the field in literature, film & music.

Schedule

Day 1 – Where are we? Landscapes and situations

Day 2 – How do we deal with the situation? Action and motivation

Day 3 – How do we start to create? Research and development

Day 4 – How do we materialize a performance?

Day 5 – Change of perspective – again!

Prior application requirements

Read, watch, listen to a science fiction story of your choosing (any genre: literature, movie, poetry, song lyrics, etc.), be prepared to re-tell it to the group and share what you find inspiring in it.

Florian Feigl develops practices in the field of performance as art for more than 20 years. Key interests are sculptural processes in dialogue between human and non-human agents, materials, environment and technology, makers and spectators. Florian publishes in performances, time-, material- and process-oriented works, lectures and essays, videos, curatorial practice, research and teaching.

www.florianfeigl.com

Cécile Bally is working internationally across choreography, performance and scenography. She anchors her work in strong performative states and worldbuilding. Cécile uses DIY magic, absurd humor and maximalist scenography to trigger dreams and nightmares, as well as to interrogate the role of narration in performance. Her performances are rooted in the genres of science fiction and magical realism, which she uses to examine how specific entities (for instance vampires, NPCs, supermarkets and suburbs) give rise to utopian and dystopian visions.

www.cecilebally.com