With Christina Syriopoulou: musicologist, performer, member and trainee of Ιnternational Laboratory of Performing Arts AlmaKalma

This workshop is addressed to anyone who

-wants to release extra tension from the body

-wish to explore his/her performing tools

-wishes to explore body and voice limits and expansions.

-is an active performer (dance, singing, music or theater)

-wants to explore the music traditions of the Mediterranean.

Traditional Songs

Mediterranean songs are distinguished for the richness and diversity of the vocal timbre. Every area has a unique “ntopiolalia” (Vernacular) that is linked with tradition and rituals, environmental factors, or the dynamics of the language. These factors activate, form and vibrate the body in a unique singing mode. By activating the different vocal resonators of the body, our vocal instrument is able to “listen” all the different coloring of each area and be met with its unique singing.

Working in different traditions we can activate what comes to us through our auditory experiences our early years, that are, the sound and the timbre of people and stories that nourished us while we were very young. Accepting that as a starting point we can find our own roots and practice in several forms of singing.

Biodynamics

Working on physical Actions

Biodynamics is a method which is based on extensive research into the laws and principles of physics that are applied to a specific body movement. It was inspired by Yiannis Mitrou who formed the International Workshop of Performing Arts, AlmaKalma. It also refers to the way the voice is linked to any physical action; thus it is incorporated into the process of every performance. Biodynamics is a holistic method that builds up a core consciousness of the body in action, where performers retrieve their corporal and mental organicity; thus it is a high-level technique.

THE METHOD

The biodynamic method is based on the principles of “minimal action’’ and body dynamics in order to achieve the organicity of a body that is released from any form of unwilling tension. Performers practice applying and controlling appropriate tension in the body, with forms of action called bio-pressures and bio-spins. Through these actions, the performer learns to reduce strain on their muscles. Gradually, the spine becomes the medium through which the body moves. Every move of the body becomes smoother and body parts are linked, whilst the back of the body supports every form of physical action. A new, organic plasticity is revealed in the performer.

Biodynamics is closely linked on the study of the great masters of dance and theatre (Meyerhold, Stanislavski e.t.c). The main influence of the laboratory research is the final stage of investigation in Grotowski’s program, “Art as a Vehicle”. It is also based around Meyerhold’s work on pressures. This was gradually developed further by Ioannis Mitrou in the “principle ofminimalaction”, that was mentioned previously.

In the seminar we will work on

-Biodynamic exercises

-Exploring different vocal resonators

- Dynamic function of the diaphragm

-Group practices of performing

-Personal observations according to the profile of every participant.

-Songs from the Mediterranean area

During the last day we will work and present a performance based on the work held during the workshop.

From 12-14/8 in Casa Lucia

Schedule 12/8 10.00-14.00

13/8 10.00-14.00

14/8 18.00-21.00

Please make sure you wear comfortable clothes

More info about International Laboratory of Performing Arts (AlmaKalma)

www.almakalma.net

bookings: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!