A Sense of Space - multi-sensory and immersive performance
by Nic Vogelpoel
Going to the theatre isn’t always the most accessible option for everyone. The environment, interpreter options, physical accessibility and even the traditional form of proscenium arch are hardly ideal, and sometimes the solutions that venues provide create even more barriers.
We could talk about the problems all day, but then I wouldn’t be able to tell you about the incredible work Sense artists and staff have been doing over the past few months to explore the infinite possibilities to make multi-sensory and immersive performance.
Working with professional theatre makers and teachers in a new theatre in Archway, London linked to a professional acting and directing school, we have been developing new ways of making theatre, telling stories, and performing to an audience.
The range of skills and backgrounds of all the artists involved in the process have revealed some really exciting things. The artists have devised their own performance exploring creative communication and drama techniques. We know that we can communicate effectively non-verbally, and the multi-sensory performance the artists have created combines known processes (and some new ones too!) in a multi-layered and immersive setting.
The husk of a coconut sets the scene for a tropical voyage of discovery. Salty water dries on our skin as the warmth of the sun starts to disappear below the horizon. A barrage of travellers and misfits are humming a jolly tune. Sand scratches the soles of your feet and somewhere, not so far away a drum signals the start of an adventure…
Where did they come from, and where are they going? You, our audience, are invited to join us on a journey to find out some of the answers, and ask plenty more in a special performance on Wednesday 26 June at 1.30pm to 3.30pm at The Academy of the Science of Acting and Directing, 9-15 Elthorne Road London, N19 4AJ. View on map
Bookings are essential, and the performance is free. Please contact Nic Vogelpoel via email at nic.vogelpoel@sense.org.uk or call 07780 443 581 to reserve a place.
Nic Vogelpoel is Head of Arts and Wellbeing at Sense
Visit our main Arts and Wellbeing section
Workshop photos copyright Ian Treherne
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