”People will observe you, in order to investigate how well you have observed” Bertolt Brecht

What is the role of observation and imitation in the actor’s work, and how does this relate to the artist’s individual experience and self-expression? What is the role of imitation and quotation in theoretical reflection, and how does this relate to one’s own experience and originality? Shall we conceive of imitation as a sign of “non-authenticity”, of a blind belief, or is it an unavoidable and even fruitful aspect of human action? Can artists and theoreticians open a space of interaction over these questions? Can artists benefit from verbalizing their experience? Can theoreticians benefit from corporeal exercises? The program imitates the most fruitful parts of the workshop, held for the first time in Prague, CR, June 2015, and investigates new facets of the issue at stake. It will combine practical exercises – on the bodily, gestural, verbal and mental level – as well as thorough discussion and formulation of theoretical implications of the practical work. The exercises in the workshop are built on observing, imitating and quoting bodily as well as textual material.

The number of participants is limited to 15. Please note that the deadline for registration has passed.

Organizers: The workshop is held in English by:

Kent Sjöström (Malmö Theatre Academy, Lund University, Sweden), PhD in Fine Arts in Theatre, researcher and lecturer. Area of focus: reflective practice in acting and arts, methodology in artistic research, enaction and movement.

Alice Koubová (Institute of Philosophy, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic), PhD in philosophy, senior researcher, lecturer at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Area of focus: performance philosophy, theory of self-identity, phenomenology. Practitioner in ludic theatre.

In cooperation with Malmö Theatre Academy, Lund University, Sweden and Institute of Philosophy, the Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic