Special Topics in Acting (370-0-20)

Topic

Postmod Perf: Contact Improv, Tuning Scores, Ensem

Instructors

Chrissy Martin

Meeting Info

Wirtz Center Cellar: Tues, Thurs 1:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

This class covers solo, duet, and ensemble based improvisational techniques that all developed during the postmodern performance movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. We will focus on contact improvisation, a form that uses physical touch and weight sharing as vehicles for spontaneous communication. We will then expand our solo and duet practice outwards to an ensemble, integrating the postmodern idea of "performative presence" inside of group scores, or sets of rules and structures to guide improvisation towards being witnessed in a more formal setting. All these practices will be interwoven with somatic exercises, helping students to sense, feel, and act from their most internal sense of self, developing a balance of function and expression in physical performance. We will learn about the history of the postmodern performance scene in New York City in the 1970s, specifically the artists that formed the Judson Theatre. We will contextualize this history, noting its values and pitfalls through a framework of intersectional analysis.

We will develop skills such as mind/body integration, sensory awareness, kinesthetic empathy, and internal awareness. We will discuss and practice navigating consent in the context of largely non-verbal physical action. There will be weekly readings and viewings to fuel our class discussions. Previous experience with movement and/or dance is required. Please email chrissy.martin@northwestern.edu with a brief paragraph of your movement history to enroll.

No fees required, though buying a pair of dance kneepads is strongly recommended.

Registration Requirements

Preference to students sophomore and up

Class Materials (Required)

Water bottle, notebook, movement clothes, kneepads
$1-25

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Preregistration is reserved for Dance and Theater Majors and Minors & Music Theatre Certificate Students. The course will be open to all undergraduates during regular registration.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required