Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

If one defines “sense” as a kind of logic that explains and organizes myriad thoughts, impressions, feelings and events, artistic practice could be considered a primary means for “sense making.” From random chaotic impressions, intuitions, reflections and personal and social interactions the artist creates as a way to make sense of the world. In dance and theater this “sense making” is most often collaborative, drawing on the contributions of a collective group of participants who through improvisation and composition create worlds on and off stage. This workshop will explore spontaneous ‘sense making’ by working with contributions of the participants in text, movement/gesture, and sound. The workshop will provide a way for participants to inhabit a shared space with disparate element and see how these different strands or bits come together into a collective creation, a momentary agreement, a world of “sense.” The experience of engaged group creation that is fundamental to theater and dance practice can offer a strong model for social interaction and collaboration.