Performing Violence – Limits and Transformative Means in Staged Violence

Recreating violent acts for dramatic purposes has a long history. During the centuries, theatre makers or scholars have debated whether violence should be staged or not, generating clashing conclusion.

Is staged violence simply voyeurism? Does it help to better understand trauma? Is it a cathartic enjoyment? There is an emblematic and problematic aspect when violence is staged which draws upon the notion of excitement, shock and also pleasure. What stands behind a fantastic, thrilling sword scene in a Shakespearian tragedy? Is there a form of instrumentalized violence or even pleasure in the crude and traumatic plays of Sarah Kane? Can actors enjoy while rehearsing or performing violence on stage? And finally, from a spectator point of view; what is the embodied physical experience of watching violent scenes?

The event will combine a theoretical presentation of Davide Giovanzana’s book: Performing Violence with practical examples performed by acting and directing students in the MA course on performing violence.

Teachers:

Davide Giovanzana (Näty)

Anastasia Trizna (stage fight and intimacy coordinator)

Students on the stage:

Sulo Rahman

Eero-Heikki Karhu

Vilma Hartikainen

Li Krook (Teak)

Ruusa Tapper (TeaK)

Vili Nissinen (TeaK)

Jonas Rakauskas (LMTA, Lithuania)

Jakubas Saruli (LMTA, Lithuania)

Marius Miskinis (LMTA, Lithuania)

Adrius Jocys (LTMA, Lithuania)

Organiser

Näty