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Information below describes the original workshop plan in Dubai now postponed.
Information below describes the original workshop plan in Dubai now postponed.
OVERVIEW
WORKSHOP DETAILSThe workshop is open to adults 18 + interested in exploring diverse styles of theatre and exercising their creativity to the fullest. Class size is limited to 12. Dress code is comfortable attire allowing free movement. Contact us here to register.
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Location: The Fridge, Alserkal Avenue Dubai
Tuition fee: AED 1,200 Age: 18 + Schedule: Thursdays 7:45pm-9:45pm from April 23 to May 21, 7:30pm-9:30pm from May 28 to July 9 |
VALUES
Pedagogical value of the Khayal Masrah programme is rooted in the creative process. This encompasses: devising narratives based on historical texts, training in voice and movement, and realising an artistic project as a collective. Through learning and group work, project members explore diverse styles of theatre-making and the use of new technologies such as graphic or video arts as an integral part of dramaturgy, rather than just special effects. A progressive approach towards theatrical creation means to mirror the progressive thinking of authors whose work is being adapted.
The theatre project may be categorised as devised theatre, collaborative in nature. This can be achieved through a panoply of processes, which vary greatly depending on groups. Khayal Masrah first upholds the following principles: strong cooperation and egalitarianism amongst members, open-mindedness, and ultimate respect for the playing space. In past affiliated projects, these pillars proved vital for a positive and creative environment. Focus is placed on inventiveness, polyvalence, brainstorming, and development of scenes that involve all members equally. |
While laboratory-style in spirit, Khayal Masrah remains non-elitist, welcoming participants from all walks of life to engage in experimental performance work, possibly construed as exclusive otherwise. The project aims to make contemporary theatre practices and university-level material accessible, yet without diluting their qualities. In sessions, participants will be led through creative theatre exercises based on the work of renown directors and teachers such as Boal, Grotowski, and Lecoq. The programme is committed to the democratisation of knowledge and culture, and in so doing promote individual expression. Khayal Masrah aspires to offset dominant importing and outsourcing by fostering a proverbial voice that is unique, artistic, and homegrown.
Video samples
Voltaire text intro: https://youtu.be/RdBXCjhdVE8 Lucian text intro: https://youtu.be/fQjaWi4IkGE |
DEFINITIONS
What is experimental theatre?
Also known as “avant garde”, the term “experimental” has been used in Western theatre to describe a genre that appeared around the end of the 19th century, typically contrasting Bourgeois theatre. What it denotes is in constant flux as this type of art work mostly departs from conventions of its own time – and often, elements of avant-gardism are eventually embraced by the mainstream. Experimental theatre can be defined as an approach to theatre that is different from the established norms at the time when it is conceived- challenging the status quo. What is considered experimental in a given place, at a given time, can be conventional in another place and time. For instance, if perception of theatre is dominated by: a proscenium arch setting, a 4th wall, a large audience sitting in darkness and straightforward plot lines, then an alternative approach can entail: a warehouse, close interaction with spectators and more abstract narratives. However, should the latter description of theatre be dominant in a given environment, then the former could then be considered offsetting.
Educational links:
http://dictionary.tdf.org/experimentaltheatre/
https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/genres/avant-garde-theatre-iid-21408
https://www.britannica.com/art/Western-theatre/Expressionism-in-Germany#ref306052
What is Khayal Masrah?
Khayal Masrah, meaning imagination theatre in Arabic, is a project affiliated with Dubai’s first experimental theatre, STAR TOO, founded in 2010 by a collective of dancers, performers, directors, and multi-media creators. Through its tongue-in-cheek title, STAR TOO aimed to create a style of theatre that departed from conventions of drama in its environment, such as altering audience placement, incorporating elements of installation art and practicing a thorough sense of egalitarianism amongst all performers, i.e. no “starring” roles. A decade later, Khayal Masrah is an off-shoot programme focusing on adaptations of proto-science fiction and what impact past visions of the future have on our present day. The taught programme comprises training in movement, voice, and experimenting with multimedia. Over 3 months, students are led to explore diverse approaches to theatre-making and apply learned skills to devise a performance as a collective, based on satires from ancient and classical literature.
STAR TOO website: www.startoo.org
For extended Youtube video on STAR TOO creations + interviews click here.
What is proto-science fiction?
Proto-science fiction is a term used to describe a genre of literature bearing many traits of "science-fiction" before this category was more commonly established in the 19th century. Many works in ancient and classical literature that could be branded science-fiction today were considered "satires". The earliest known piece of proto-science fiction is attributed to Lucian of Samosata who lived during the second century in a province situated in Syria.
Also known as “avant garde”, the term “experimental” has been used in Western theatre to describe a genre that appeared around the end of the 19th century, typically contrasting Bourgeois theatre. What it denotes is in constant flux as this type of art work mostly departs from conventions of its own time – and often, elements of avant-gardism are eventually embraced by the mainstream. Experimental theatre can be defined as an approach to theatre that is different from the established norms at the time when it is conceived- challenging the status quo. What is considered experimental in a given place, at a given time, can be conventional in another place and time. For instance, if perception of theatre is dominated by: a proscenium arch setting, a 4th wall, a large audience sitting in darkness and straightforward plot lines, then an alternative approach can entail: a warehouse, close interaction with spectators and more abstract narratives. However, should the latter description of theatre be dominant in a given environment, then the former could then be considered offsetting.
Educational links:
http://dictionary.tdf.org/experimentaltheatre/
https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/genres/avant-garde-theatre-iid-21408
https://www.britannica.com/art/Western-theatre/Expressionism-in-Germany#ref306052
What is Khayal Masrah?
Khayal Masrah, meaning imagination theatre in Arabic, is a project affiliated with Dubai’s first experimental theatre, STAR TOO, founded in 2010 by a collective of dancers, performers, directors, and multi-media creators. Through its tongue-in-cheek title, STAR TOO aimed to create a style of theatre that departed from conventions of drama in its environment, such as altering audience placement, incorporating elements of installation art and practicing a thorough sense of egalitarianism amongst all performers, i.e. no “starring” roles. A decade later, Khayal Masrah is an off-shoot programme focusing on adaptations of proto-science fiction and what impact past visions of the future have on our present day. The taught programme comprises training in movement, voice, and experimenting with multimedia. Over 3 months, students are led to explore diverse approaches to theatre-making and apply learned skills to devise a performance as a collective, based on satires from ancient and classical literature.
STAR TOO website: www.startoo.org
For extended Youtube video on STAR TOO creations + interviews click here.
What is proto-science fiction?
Proto-science fiction is a term used to describe a genre of literature bearing many traits of "science-fiction" before this category was more commonly established in the 19th century. Many works in ancient and classical literature that could be branded science-fiction today were considered "satires". The earliest known piece of proto-science fiction is attributed to Lucian of Samosata who lived during the second century in a province situated in Syria.
Visual samples
Creative movement exercises & presentations: video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wukW0ig-D-o&feature=youtu.be