The 1950s and ‘60s were a formative period for theatre and dance – in particular, this was the period in which devising emerged as a method. Companies looked to become more democratic in their structures and approaches to making work, a direct response to the social and political conditions of the time.

Many of the methods that emerged in this pivotal period have been inherited by the artists working today. In this moment where it feels that we’re experiencing a second wave of politicisation on a par with the spirit of the ‘60s, DRAFF poses the question: what does form in performance look like today?

The ‘DRAFF: FORUM on FORM’ will open a discussion around this question  over three hours, with a group of artists working at the edges of form, including contributions from Forced Entertainment (UK), El Conde de Torrefiel (Barcelona), Dylan Tighe (Ireland), Connor Schumacher (USA) and Sarah Browne (Ireland).

Workshop with Dance Artist Connor Schumacher (USA/NL)

11am – 1pm, Peacock Stage

Is it possible that using abstract ideas in connection to the movement of the body can reveal and produce the metaphors we live by as social, physical human beings? Using research into the cognitive science called ’embodied cognition’, paired with research into the effects of progressive, contemporary movement practices and their impact on how we move, we move and groove to the practice of being human. Structured through the dramaturgy of an exercise class, the workshop builds stamina in the body as well as in the mind and its ability to move in all directions. Open to all, no experience or expectations required.

For workshop bookings please call our box office on 01 87 87 222 – Combo price for Forum and Workshop ticket is €20/15 conc.