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Jerzy Grotowski was one of the major theatre directors of the twentieth century. He extended what theatrical activity comprises by focussing on acting, space, and the actor–audience relationship.
These sessions were initially organised by Laboratory Theatre members for fellow actors who were interested in the practice of overcoming difficulties with breathing, the voice, and lethargy.
Katharina Seyferth introduces the forest-based work space of Brzezinka, as she recounts her experience of Grotowski's post-theatrical research known as "Paratheatre" and "Theatre of Sources."
A documentation of a five-day workshop, with Zygmunt Molik leading a group of participants at the historical site of the Brzezinka farm, where most of Grotowski’s paratheatrical work took place.
In this demonstration-performance, Odin Teatret’s Iben Nagel Rasmussen shows and explains her working practice, from her training methods through to performance.
By providing unprecedented access to the work of Grotowski’s women collaborators, this film, featuring Rena Mirecka, offers a more inclusive assessment of Grotowski’s enduring legacy.
Katherina Seyferth’s training methodology includes yoga-based movement and plastiques, as well as exercises focusing on the passage from stillness to movement and accessing one's organic drive.
Documenting a three-day work session introducing participants to key aspects of the training Rasmussen developed with her group, The Bridge of Winds, culminating in a Montage of Actions and Songs.
Massimiliano Balduzzi is an Italian performer, director and teacher based in New York. Before moving there in 2008, he was based in Siena, where he co-founded performance group Teatro della Pioggia.
Ewa Benesz worked at Grotowski’s Laboratory Theatre from 1966–8, joining the company again in the eighties. She has engaged in a wide range of performance experiments focussing on theatre’s roots.
Deborah Hay is a choreographer, author and dance visionary. In the 1960s, she trained with Merce Cunningham and performed with Judson Dance Theatre. She lives in the USA and works internationally.
A founding member of Grotowski’s Laboratory Theatre, Rena Mirecka is the only woman to have performed in all of its performances, and is a specialist in the physical exercises known as plastiques.
A leading actor in Grotowski’s Laboratory Theatre for 25 years, Zygmunt Molik appeared in all of its productions. From 1964 he began leading Acting Therapy workshops, and continued to do so until 2008.
Iben Nagel Rasmussen is an actor, director, teacher and writer born in Denmark. She has been a member of Odin Teatret since 1966 and conducts independent research as leader of ‘The Bridge of Winds’.
Katharina Seyferth worked with Grotowski during his ‘Paratheatre’ and ‘Theatre of Sources’ periods. She is Director of the International Centre for Theatrical Research and Training in Las Téoulères.
Having worked with Grotowski for five years, Wlodzimierz Staniewski founded Gardzienice in 1977. Based in a Polish village, it is now one of Europe’s most innovative and distinguished theatre groups.
Para literally means ‘beyond’. In theatre practice, paratheatre therefore lies outside and beyond the spatial, temporal and structural forms of performance, denoting related practices instead.
Performer training assumes skills can be developed to make communication clearer and the experience of performing easier. It often sees the performer practising the integration of voice and body.