Practitioner-Researcher Network
Researchers located at the Seven Nodes of the Practitioner-Researcher Network
NB: in a network of dynamic exchange, some staff are located at several nodes.
acting, movement & voice
Much of Central’s work is concerned with performer education and training. Innovative practitioner-researchers investigate new approaches and pedagogies, often refining established “methods” or “systems”. Several colleagues are currently engaged in developing written accounts of their acting, movement and/or voice praxis whilst others document their process by way of “practice as research” (PaR). The International Centre for Voice is currently developing its historical role as an international forum for voice practitioners with a new emphasis on research outcomes.
| Jane Boston Experience Bryon Geoff Colman Sarah Davey-Hull Debbie Green Vanessa Ewan Lynne Kendrick Nick Moseley | Jane Munro Ben Naylor Daron Oram Vesna Stanojevic Ayse Tashkiran Claudette Williams Martin Wylde | PhD Students Deirdre McLaughlin James Palm Rebecca Reeves Kiki Selioni Qasim Shah Christina Kapadocha |
applied theatre
Many strands of the applications of theatre and performance conjoin at this node. There is a strong interest in site, space and place as well as work in specific social situations. The ways in which theatre and performance might be productive in addressing trauma, or in challenging sedimented - and sometimes prejudicial - constructions of identity are also key points of investigation by performative means. There are strong links with the Sesame foundation and the exploration of therapeutic approaches by means of theatre and performance.
Many strands of the applications of theatre and performance conjoin at this node. There is a strong interest in site, space and place as well as work in specific social situations. The ways in which theatre and performance might be productive in addressing trauma, or in challenging sedimented - and sometimes prejudicial - constructions of identity are also key points of investigation by performative means. There are strong links with the Sesame foundation and the exploration of therapeutic approaches by means of theatre and performance.
| Cariad Astles Selina Busby Alyson Coleman Steve Farrier Richard Hougham Katharine Low Sally Mackey | Catherine McNamara Sheila Preston Amanda Stuart Fisher Liselle Terret Gareth White ML White | PhD Students Nicola Abraham Charla Givans Jessica Hartley Claire Pamment William Pinchin Joanna Ronan Canan Salih |
concepts & contexts
There is a considerable amount of research work at Central which results in traditional publication formats (articles in journals; book chapters, edited collections and monographs). Some of this work is practice-based (writing, that is, about aspects of practice, rather than PaR) but some is historical-contextual or abstractly conceptual. The forum at this node also provides a space for debate about the conceptual frameworks integral to “practice as research”. Candidates for MPhil/PhDs by traditional written submission are likely to be located at this node.
There is a considerable amount of research work at Central which results in traditional publication formats (articles in journals; book chapters, edited collections and monographs). Some of this work is practice-based (writing, that is, about aspects of practice, rather than PaR) but some is historical-contextual or abstractly conceptual. The forum at this node also provides a space for debate about the conceptual frameworks integral to “practice as research”. Candidates for MPhil/PhDs by traditional written submission are likely to be located at this node.
| Josh Edelman Tony Fisher Lynne Kendrick Robin Nelson | Simon Shepherd Amanda Stuart Fisher Gareth White | PhD Students Claudio Beghelli Simon Donger Luis Manuel Campos Shaun May Deirdre McLaughlin Helen Murphy Pheonix Thomas Rachel Cockburn Joanna Ronan Lisa Woynarski |
contemporary dramaturgies
Alongside Central’s work with performer training, a strong interest has developed in devised theatre, performance writing and screen media. At this node, various principles of composition draw upon visual or scenographic approaches, sonic environments and movement dynamics in place of the traditional playscript - though not abandoning writing. No particular approach is pursued since this node marks a fluid space for exploration, but investigations range from “postdramatic” theatre, eschewing character and linear narrative, to “verbatim” theatre, a reaction perhaps to poststructuralism’s challenge to authenticity.
Alongside Central’s work with performer training, a strong interest has developed in devised theatre, performance writing and screen media. At this node, various principles of composition draw upon visual or scenographic approaches, sonic environments and movement dynamics in place of the traditional playscript - though not abandoning writing. No particular approach is pursued since this node marks a fluid space for exploration, but investigations range from “postdramatic” theatre, eschewing character and linear narrative, to “verbatim” theatre, a reaction perhaps to poststructuralism’s challenge to authenticity.
| Catherine Alexander Simon Donger | Amanda Stuart Fisher Gareth White | PhD Students Hannah Ballou Claudio Beghelli Anna Brownsted Rachel Cockburn Marcelo De Almeida Libanio Helen Evans Joseph Mercier Lazlo Pearlman Lisa Woynarski Mark Swetz |
intermediality
“Intermediality” is an umbrella term sheltering a range of hybrid practices where strands of formerly discrete mediums, or disciplines, come together to forge new objects and practices. Though the term was coined by Coleridge, it has a contemporary resonance in an age of collapsing hierarchies, porous boundaries and fusions. The current emphasis of work at this node is in intermedial performance practices in digital culture as they have emerged worldwide in response to the rapid development of new media technologies. The mix of live and recorded screen practices has posed a range of conceptual, as well as practical, challenges, which are explored by various means at this node.
“Intermediality” is an umbrella term sheltering a range of hybrid practices where strands of formerly discrete mediums, or disciplines, come together to forge new objects and practices. Though the term was coined by Coleridge, it has a contemporary resonance in an age of collapsing hierarchies, porous boundaries and fusions. The current emphasis of work at this node is in intermedial performance practices in digital culture as they have emerged worldwide in response to the rapid development of new media technologies. The mix of live and recorded screen practices has posed a range of conceptual, as well as practical, challenges, which are explored by various means at this node.
| Matt Adams Joel Anderson Amanda Brennan Simon Donger Aneta Mancewicz Julian Maynard Smith | Nick Moran Robin Nelson Jo Parker ML White Nick Wood | PhD Students Olga Danylyuk Simon Donger Daniel Felstead Luis Manuel Campos Joanne Scott Young Too |
puppetry & object theatre
Central has a strong tradition as a nucleus for investigative work in the historical and contemporary practices of puppetry and object theatre. Non-European as well as deeply British strains are currently being explored with results published in traditional book and article form as well as through practice. All kinds of praxis, from Punch and Judy to large-scale street and carnival performances, feature in the work at this node.
Central has a strong tradition as a nucleus for investigative work in the historical and contemporary practices of puppetry and object theatre. Non-European as well as deeply British strains are currently being explored with results published in traditional book and article form as well as through practice. All kinds of praxis, from Punch and Judy to large-scale street and carnival performances, feature in the work at this node.
| Cariad Astles Jessica Bowles Aldona Cummingham Penny Francis | Jo Parker Alice Purcell Nenagh Watson Dot Young | PhD Students Marcelo De Almeida Libanio Shaun May Paul Piris |
music theatre & sound
At this node researchers with interests in music and sound pursue composition in various forms, some recognisable as music theatre but other work more akin to installation or site-specific practice. Research at this node has made a distinctive contribution to achieving recognition of the role that music and sound make in a range of professional theatre and performance practices. An influential conference on “Noise” led to a book-length publication which in turn has promoted more debate and fed back into the ways in which practitioners work.
| Paul Barker Ross Brown Zachary Dunbar Dot Young | Gregg Fisher Wendy Gadian Lynne Kendrick | PhD Students Oliver Lidert Alejandro Postigo Gomez Alan Taylor Mark Swetz |