Physicality on Camera
30 May - 2 June
Athens, Greece
For Performers & Filmmakers
Join for movement and physical theatre workshop for the camera in sites of Athens.
In 'Physicality on Camera,' we delve into the exciting world of site-specific performance art captured through the lens of your smartphone/digital camera. Discover the secrets of using body to convey emotions, narratives, and unique stories in diverse outdoor locations.
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This workshop aims to give you the space to explore and deepen both your artistic visions as well as performative physical skills. It offers team work, intense and focused work environment, refreshing experimentation, practical tools as well as space for your own creative input.
It is aimed both for performers and film makers to meet in common ground, feeling challenged and explore the creation together.
No matter if you are performer who want to try to film, or filmmaker trying to perform or anything in between. You are welcome to leave your comfort zones and explore the engagement less familiar to you.
We will be transforming ideas, images, and feelings conveyed through the language of physical theatre into the condensed perspective of a camera lens. While this may seem restrictive, the narrow focus of the lens serves to intensify the action, highlighting details that might otherwise go unnoticed in the multidimensional perception of live performance. While theatricality thrives on the imagination of the audience, film captures a moment with uncompromising clarity, revealing nuances that enrich the viewing experience.
In this fusion of mediums, groundbreaking concepts can be born, challenging traditional notions of perception and representation.
Timetable:
Thursday, May 30th:
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18:00 - 21:00: Workshop at Plyfa
Friday, May 31st:
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18:00 - 22:30: Workshop at Plyfa
Saturday, June 1st:
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Individual work/filming (up to 16:00)
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17:00 - 22:30: Group session at Plyfa/sites
Sunday, June 2nd:
Individual work/filming (up to 16:00)
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17:00 - 21:00: Group session at Plyfa/sites
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The workshop is limited to 12 participants due to its unique nature and emphasis on individual creative processes. A non-refundable downpayment of 100 euros reserves your place at the workshop.
Price: 230€
Photo by Vassilis Kritikos
You will be guided through:
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Exploring the language of movement and physical expression within a framed perspective, researching narrative possibilities within the 'frame'.
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Crafting site-specific actions that resonate with the chosen surroundings to merge skills with ideas and context.
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Capturing your performances on smartphones/ cameras, focusing on composition and visual storytelling.
We will be incorporating the principles of 'Contradictions,' researching the compression and friction of physical and spacial incompatibilities placed beside each other to reveal unconventional storytelling.
The workshop is designed for two main groups:
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Participants with prior experience in physical theatre or dance, particularly those who have previously attended workshops with Matej. However, if you have movement, dance, or physical theatre experience but haven't participated in Matej's previous workshops, you are still eligible to join.
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Filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and amateurs with a basic understanding of key filmmaking concepts, including composition, camera setup, focal length, and basic editing techniques for footage montage. This includes individuals with a passion for filmmaking who may not have formal training but possess fundamental technical knowledge and a keen interest in the craft.
It's important to note that throughout the collaborative process, your role may transition fluidly from 'performer' to filmmaker and back again. We'll ensure that your expectations align with the evolving needs within our collective space. Given the diverse mix of creatives involved, embracing the opportunity to explore different aspects of the creative process is crucial. Research has shown that such exploration can significantly enhance both your creative and professional skills.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have the basic tools and footage to create your own short reels ready for use in your artistic profile, promotional endeavours or further project development. Whether you're an actor, dancer, performer, filmmaker or multi-creative maker simply looking to enhance your creative skills, "Physicality on Camera" will empower you in the digital age of artistic expression.
Please fill out the application form to initiate the pre-selection process. We will promptly review your submission and notify you of the status of your application. Upon approval, we will provide you with payment details to reserve your place in the workshop.
Technical Requirements:
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Smartphone with a decent lens (iOS or Android) / or *digital camera
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Minimum of 20 GB of free memory on the smartphone / camera.
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You will be asked to download a video editing app; you can use your favourite one, or we can recommend an app for you to download (please note that most of these apps may require a purchase).
The workshop will be conducted in English.
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About the Facilitator
Matej Matejka
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Testimonials:
"It’s an intense and even transformative experience of pure pleasure though movement and attunement to the others; the vital forces take over. Matej Matejka proves himself to be an excellent workshop lead, a daring and resourceful artist of profound sensibility, with great passion and care for the work he’s doing.“ -Dr. Diana Serbanescu
If you have any questions or uncertainties, don;t hesitate to contact me :)