The Body Speaking

Course Description

Summary

This course incorporates speaking, language, sounding and scoring as activities that can be integrated with movement in complex and novel ways, through both structured and improvisatory practices. We will access the expressive and artistic possibilities of sound and language as an extension of the body. Students will gain skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of these modes of expression through encountering the work of contemporary sound and movement artists, as well as the development of their own original work. 

This course presents an opportunity for students interested in movement, acting, singing, music and sound composition, and other forms, to explore this rich area of artistic research in an interdisciplinary context. Lastly, the course considers how written language/scoring, the voice and the body create meaning in distinct ways, and thus offers tools to utilize these resources with increased sensitivity, nuance and depth. All levels of experience with moving, speaking and sounding are welcome.

As a practice-based course, students are expected to participate fully in class sessions and discussions. Video viewings and light readings will take place outside of class time, as well as devising short individual and group performance studies based on class materials. Students will create a final performance project employing course tools and concepts at the end of the term.