Workshops

We all know deep down that it is wonderful to be alive, but it is rare to be entirely conscious of this fact in a rational and embodied way. Having worked on a methodology for practicing philosophy using our whole selves, we invite you to experience the wonder of being alive using ‘Performance Philosophy’. We humans are naturally singers, dancers, experimenters and collaborators. We will take you on a philosophical investigation using our whole bodies that liberates us from the hidden social constraints that have grown up around philosophy like lichen on an old stump.

We have conducted experiments at ‘Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance’ and workshops in Athens and in London (at Haringey Arts and at Siobhan Davies Dance). We have covered topics including time, the limits of language, property exchange, performative utterances and contracts, resonance, self awareness, game playing, truth and many more. The workshops are participant led.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The workshops are usually structured in a way that is similar to a contemporary dance workshop. We often begin by walking around the space and engage with each other. The focus is on creating a free form philosophical discussion that may include experiment, singing, drama, movement and atypical speech patterns, for example speaking in unison. Personal autonomy is actively encouraged and no movement or action is compulsory so it is entirely acceptable to sit quietly throughout the workshop if that is desired.

WHO IS IT AIMED AT?
In the past, these workshops have been attended by philosophers, choreographers, dancers and other artists and intellectuals; but we welcome everybody to share the enquiry into the thought of dance and the dance of thought. No specific background knowledge is required and we hope that everybody will benefit from this practice in a profound way.

BOOKING
Should you desire to invite us for a workshop please send an email to
jonnyblamey@yahoo.com or dimitrakopouloustella@gmail.com