+July 14 - 19: STORY & COMMUNITY: Creativity. Transformation. Performance! with Gerard Stropnicky BloomsburgTheatre Ensemble, Higher Ground, Swamp Gravy, Flood Stories, etc.
Where do we find our stories? This empowering workshop explores varied story sources, including documents, neighbors, our elders, our children and ourselves. We’ll learn skills to work with communities to create compelling theatre that sets the stage for community dialogue and positive change. In the workshop we will actively explore the elements that give this work its power and legitimacy: AGENCY, ARTISTRY, AUTHENTICITY, AUDACITY, ACCURACY and ADVOCACY. We’ll develop interview skills, practice Story Circles, and take time to examine the ethics involved in story work, whether we stretch it, condense it, give it straight, give it away, or tell it yourself. On our feet, and cognizant of our filters, we’ll play with the power of story, toward creating compelling theatre that sets the stage for community dialogue and positive change. The workshop will draw on the work of Jo Carson, Stropnicky’s long-time creative partner, as well as other practitioners of this kind of work, and will culminate with a showing.
+July 21-26: PERSONAL NARRATIVE: Spoken & Heard with Baba Israel
This workshop that will reflect on legacy, the stories we inherit and the way they shape our lives. Bring your inherited stories and reflect and respond to them through storytelling, spoken word, and improvisation. All generations welcome… Expect to freestyle, to write, to move, to explore rhythm, and to respond to the stories that have been passed on.
Baba Israel was raised in New York by parents who were core members of the Living Theatre. He developed as a young artist exploring spoken word, Hip Hop, and experimental performance. He lived and worked in Australia working on major community theatre projects and Hip Hop festivals. He has toured as an emcee, beatboxer, and theatre artist across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia
Baba Israel was raised in New York by parents who were core members of the Living Theatre. He developed as a young artist exploring spoken word, Hip Hop, and experimental performance. He lived and worked in Australia working on major community theatre projects and Hip Hop festivals. He has toured as an emcee, beatboxer, and theatre artist across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia
+July 28 - +August 2: SHAPE-SHIFTING YOUR STORY with Elizabeth Fuller & Conrad Bishop of The Independent Eye
We come from forty-five years of performance that’s beholden to no single style or discipline of theatre. We’ve probably done original work in more styles than anyone we know: realism, puppetry, masks, non-linear collage, cabaret comedy, physical theatre, story-theatre, audiodrama, song, video – but the center of it is STORY. We fish for the stories that bite and won’t let go. Then we find the language unique to each one. Most performers or ensembles focus on a particular style, often emanating from their training discipline. We’ve always gone the other way: to find the stylistic languages that best fit each story.
So in this hands-on workshop, we start with story-making, drawing from real experience, dream, myth, or the daily news. We explore how stories change with new ingredients, different plottings or cross-pollinations. We experiment with stylistic fusions. We create dramatic pieces in small groups, then revise them, revise them, revise them. Some questions explored: How does style change a story? What’s the role of “realism” in non-realistic styles? How does physical action inform vocal style, and viceversa? How do puppetry and mask work feed the realistic actor? How many ways can you tell the same story? Who’s your audience?
For solo or ensemble-oriented artists, we offer pathways for creating new work from start to finish. For playwrights, collaborating to deepen your own voice and hone text to the sharpest edge. For teachers, directors, and performers in traditional theatre, using “ensemble” technique to explore existing texts and a deeper understanding of plot, scene structure, and style.
So in this hands-on workshop, we start with story-making, drawing from real experience, dream, myth, or the daily news. We explore how stories change with new ingredients, different plottings or cross-pollinations. We experiment with stylistic fusions. We create dramatic pieces in small groups, then revise them, revise them, revise them. Some questions explored: How does style change a story? What’s the role of “realism” in non-realistic styles? How does physical action inform vocal style, and viceversa? How do puppetry and mask work feed the realistic actor? How many ways can you tell the same story? Who’s your audience?
For solo or ensemble-oriented artists, we offer pathways for creating new work from start to finish. For playwrights, collaborating to deepen your own voice and hone text to the sharpest edge. For teachers, directors, and performers in traditional theatre, using “ensemble” technique to explore existing texts and a deeper understanding of plot, scene structure, and style.
For more INFORMATION on the workshops, or on our 23rd Annual Festival – curated this year on the theme of WORK | JOB | CAREER | CALLING, or to REGISTER visit www.kofest.com
If you have questions, you can email me or the festival Artistic Director, Sabrina Hamilton at sabrina@kofest.com. Phone: 413-427-6147.
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