UPDATE
Due to unavoidable circumstances, we are sorry to announce that the Using Dramaturgy workshop scheduled for Jan 19-26 at Us Paar stands cancelled.
We will be looking at moving it further down the year to October/November 2025. Once we have clarity on exact dates and arrangements, we will issue a fresh call for applications, probably around August next year. So watch this space.
Our apologies to everyone who has already applied and to those who were considering applying, and to all our partners and collaborators who so readily agreed to block their dates. Thank you all for your understanding. Onward and upward!
This dramaturgy workshop is designed for theatre directors and collectives. The workshop aims to foster a culture of constructive criticism and detailed analysis that will help directors and collectives to create stronger performances.
Most theatre makers employ dramaturgical methods, even if they don't label them as 'dramaturgy'. What this workshop offers is a formal understanding of dramaturgy as an integrated practice in the theatre-making process - what can be called 'the mechanics of theatre'.
The dramaturgical tools of performance analysis (based on theatre semiotics), the Das Arts feedback method, and various practical devising exercises form the foundation of the workshop.
The course is taught by Sophia Stepf and Nisha Abdulla.
Supported by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai
Venue: UsPaar (Kashid, Alibag)
Dates: Departure from Gateway (Mumbai) on Jan 19 evening | Return to Gateway on Jan 26 morning
Who can apply?
Theatre directors and devisers who
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Have created (either individually or as a collective/ensemble) at least 3 pieces that have been produced.
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Have been working in theatre for three years or more
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Live and work in Maharashtra
We encourage people who work in Marathi and Hindi to apply
What can I expect to do/learn at this workshop, specifically?
Through the course of these 6 days, you will:
1. Develop a more detailed perception and a more precise language for the rehearsal process - looking at timing, energy, the use of space, bodies, acting styles and the flow of information through time.
2. Learn to separate emotions from analysis, and personal taste from content and structure.
3. Attend a theatre performance for a performance analysis.
How much does it cost?
Rs. 6,500 per person including GST.
Participants will need to assemble at Gateway (Mumbai) at the appointed time on Jan 19 and will be brought back to that point on Jan 26 morning.
Travel to Us Paar and back, and food and lodging is included in the fee.
What is Us Paar like? Facilities?
Food at Us Paar is simple and healthy. There will be set timings for three meals and coffee/tea breaks.
Lodging will be in dormitory-style rooms, housing 5-6 people each.
A washing machine is available and can be used for up to two loads for the group, so pack accordingly.
It is likely to be cold in the evenings/nights.
It is not close to a main road, so please ensure you are equipped to stay for a week. Carry specific foods, medicines you may need and so on.
Do I need to come prepared with anything, if I am selected?
Participants are required to bring a project they are working on, in the form of a short performance (live or on video) or a written concept for a performance of up to 3 pages.
Please note that:
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You may be asked to provide a reference before you are shortlisted.
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We may schedule a face to face conversation (Skype or in person) in order to better understand your expectations and whether or not the workshop can fulfill them.
For details or clarifications, write to vivek@bhashacentre.com
About the Facilitators
Sophia Stepf (Course co-designer and Teacher) holds an MA in dramaturgy for theatre and media from the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig and York University Toronto. She is also a qualified Anti-Bias and Betzafta trainer. Since 2001 Sophia has been writing and directing contemporary theatre, exploring the friction between globalisation, cultural identity and local realities. With her company Flinn Works (Kassel/Berlin) she has won awards for INDIA SIMULATOR™, three META awards for C SHARP C BLUNT in Delhi, as well as the ZKB Patronage Prize at Zürcher Theaterspektakel in 2014. She has created international works with partners like Asedeva (Dar es Salaam), Staatsheater Kassel, Theater Krefeld-Mönchengladbach, Schnawwl Mannheim & Ranga Shankara Bangalore, National School of Drama, Delhi amongst others. She has developed and taught the course ‘Intercultural Dramaturgy’ at the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig as well as many intensive workshops for professional performers and non-actors, mostly on devising theatre. Since 2003 Sophia has been developing & curating theatre projects for Institutions like Goethe-Institut MMB in India, international theatre festivals (Linz 2009, Vienna Festwochen 2007, Theater der Welt 2005, Schwindelfrei Mannheim). She lives in Berlin with her family.
Nisha Abdulla is a Bangalore based theatremaker practicing as playwright, director, dramaturg, and educator. Her anti-oppressive arts practice places care, curiosity and community at the core of the creation process. Nisha is particularly invested in exploring the interplay of identity-belonging-power-gaze in the contemporary socio-political context. She is Artistic Director of Qabila, where her work centers new writing and the dissenting imagination. And founder member of OffStream, an artist collective that supports anti-caste art and community. Nisha also teaches at schools and universities; most recently she is guest faculty at Azim Premji University (Bangalore) and NALSAR University of Law (Hyderabad).
As dramaturg, Nisha's projects include Firefly Women (directed by Manjari Kaul) and Chaand Bagh / The Veil (playwright: Abhishek Majumdar).