Theatre Improvisation Workshop Leader - Adele Levi

I was part of a group who experienced five four hour sessions with Adele in November 2010.  None of us had done any theatre improvisation before.  Our number was made up undergraduates studying choreography, creative writing, art and music performance.  


We all got such a lot out of those sessions.  We bonded, created work, found out about ourselves, our strengths, how to devise work from inner impulses, working with breath, gesture, space.  We worked solo, duets, whole group - we performed frequently to one another and quickly overcame any shyness about that.


As I've mentioned, I'm a rather overweight, middle aged woman but during these sessions I felt utterly changed and energetic.  I found myself jumping, (hadn't done that for years!), or quiet behind a curtain or under a piece of cloth, making theatre.  It was then that I became curious about using the techniques to experience performance of operatic arias in a new way.  I've since learned that my interest has a name, it's somatic, embodied practice.  


Adele also agreed to lead some workshops for myself and other older women.  She's interested in my exploration in this area.  Here's her artist statement:-

Adele Levi is a dancer, teacher and performance maker.

Her artistic practice crosses boundaries, moving between theatre and dance, (pausing sometimes at street theatre). Currently it focuses on performing solo improvisations.

She has broad experience, having taught in all sectors of education, from Primary (as a member of the Powys Dance Project), through secondary (as Head of Dance at North Westminster Community School) to posts as a lecturer in higher and further education (including at the European Dance Development Centre in Arnhem and currently at University College Falmouth). She managed the first accredited circus training course in the UK at the Circus Space in London; supported women ex-prisoners to find their creative voice with Clean Break Theatre Company, and was part of a team of artists working with young people in the Outer Hebrides for 3 years, creating bold site-specific performances.

Adele's work will lead to a deeper sensing of the body, movement and voice. Through play and imagery you will develop an understanding of how you perceive and interpret information through all of the senses. You will develop your ability to be simply present as a performer and complex in your levels of engagement with self, others and space. We will find ease and flow in movement. You will be guided into exercises to develop your ability to be spontaneous and creative, and to be inspired by the present moment.