Wednesday, September 18, 2019

VOICES OF COURAGE ....The Journey Begins



Over forty Talon Theatre students are courageously diving in to the devising process for the fall production VOICES OF COURAGE.
The journey thus far has been creatively stimulating, thought provoking, and logistically challenging.  We began with a non-traditional “audition” process of collaborative exercises requiring students to develop short performance pieces based on images, news stories, and narratives.  For the first several rehearsals, the cast and design team were introduced to a variety of devised theatre and composing methods, styles, and processes equipping them with tools to create original material. The cast and crew have examined and discussed different types of courage and heard a presentation on courageous figures throughout history.
The whole ensemble was then divided into five individual ensembles lead by story weavers who are serving as the directors of the project.  The make-up of the ensembles was based on the topics, interests, skills and passions of the individual members.  Set, light, costume, prop, sound,  projection, makeup and hair designers have been assigned to each ensemble. 

The first production meeting produced some incredibly creative ideas.
Some of the logistical issues we will face include site -specific technical needs and how to implement the design concepts.

The five ensembles will be developing ten minute performance pieces in different styles dealing with specific topics related to the theme of courage.  These five pieces will be woven together into one dramatic, musical, and movement collage.
Some of the topics being explored include immigration, the environment,  body image, mental health, discrimination, and equality. 

The marketing and publicity team is developing the graphic design and logo for the piece and visual artists are creating a series of murals capturing the overall theme.
The commitment and energy of these students is inspiring!  There is something utterly thrilling about devising original theatre with students.  This truly is theatre on purpose!