Thanks, mroz! That's a great help. :)

2008-06-09T23:51:00.000+03:00

Hi Johanna, here goes!

1. Are you a perform...

2008-06-05T02:49:00.000+03:00

Hi Johanna, here goes!

1. Are you a performer? If so, what kind of performance do you do?

I was trained as a performer and performed from late 1990s to early 2000s. I now only teach and direct. The kind of work I make is usually referred to as Devised, Physical or Third Theatre.

2. In terms of performance, do you talk about a performer's "presence," and if so, what does it mean to you?

I do. To me it means the performer's ability to catch and hold my attention independent of the directing, the text, the story etc...

3. How would you describe your presence when you are performing?

When I did it, good performing felt like nothing. I mean it was sweaty and engaging, but 'on' just felt very quiet and even.

4. How would you describe another's presence when you are watching them perform?

Depends on the person. I'm certainly looking for a quality of clear physical engagement and the sense that what I'm watching has been impeccably designed and examined. Of course, some performances are quite engaging without being as tight as I personally would make them that still are very compelling.

5. Where does your concept of a performer's presence come from?

From Eugenio Barba, who taught my teacher Richard Fowler and from Chinese martial arts, where its called 'shi' or 'space power' or 'fullness'. Taijiquan teacher George Xu has written some informative things about this...

Sorry its short, hope it helps.

Daniel

Comments on happeningfish: What's presence? (AKA I need you for research)

Thanks, mroz! That's a great help. :)

Hi Johanna, here goes!1. Are you a perform...

Hi Johanna, here goes!

1. Are you a perform...