Blog Assessment - Task 4 (Final Task)

Deadline: Friday, 15th May 2009, 5 pm

Word Count: 1200 words ( 300 + 400 + 500 words)

• There are 3 questions you need to respond to
• The questions this time are mostly reflective, however should still be analytical and not descriptive academic writing
• Wider independent research, particularly from physical theatre practitioners via company websites should be used to support your opinions
• Present your writing in academic language with Harvard Referencing and a bibliography presented alphabetically at the end of your post
• PLEASE TYPE YOUR FULL NAME IN THE POST TITLE

Questions:

1. As the creative process turned from the 'V' stage to the 'P' stage of devising, and Porto started to come together as one cohesive performance, what were the common themes and issues that were beginning to emerge through the basic fabric of the piece? Despite the individual journeys, what shared experiences tied the community together apart from their state of liminality? Discuss with clear and succinct examples. (300 words)

2. Critically evaluate the transition of Porto as the ensemble moved from the studio into the theatre space. What were the strengths and weaknesses of this phase and process? (400 words)

3. Critically evaluate the growth of the performance over the three shows, with particular emphasis on your own role within the piece. Did the RSVP model continue to apply even at this final stage of the performance piece? Discuss with concrete examples. (500 words)

If you have any queries over these blog questions, please email me in good time before the deadline. Looking forward to your final set of blog responses.

Royona

Porto - The Last Leg

Dear All,

Having had a substantial break from Porto I am sure we have all had the necessary time and head-space to evaluate the work with a certain amount of distance. This is critical as we approach the final phase of the creative process and move from 'validation' into 'performance' in the RSVP model of devising.

The weeks ahead will require from each of us a lot of patience, stamina and tenacity. We will need to allow the work to achieve its fullest potential, without taking short-cuts and finding easy solutions. Harsh and difficult decisions will need to be taken at all times.

At this stage it is imperative that we all remember that nothing we have created through the process so far is set in stone. You must not get possessive of any material you have created to far. Anything and everything is subject to change and alterations to make the overall piece communicate coherently and powerfully.

It is now important for all of us within Porto to see beyond small sections and individual characters to the vitality and power of the overall performance of the community. We must function as an ensemble if we want Porto to succeed. And this will be hard, but if we are prepared for the challenges ahead, we will achieve something to be proud of.

In the light of the above please respond to the questions below:

1. How far have you come (from January to present day) within your understanding of the devising process especially in the genre of physical theatre?

2. Have you experienced the creative process for Porto in a way you have not considered performance making before? If so how?

3. What challenges have you faced during the process so far?

4. How has the process been rewarding so far?

5. Finally, what are the challenges that lie ahead in the next few weeks for you as an individual and for the ensemble as a whole? How do you think you should meet this challenges to overcome them? Any suggestions to the ensemble as a whole?

Really looking forward to working through this last leg of Porto with you all.

Royona

Porto Poster Design

Above is the poster design for Porto courtesy of the design team at the Arena Theatre.

It is an exciting stage we are at now, when everything about Porto continues to linger in our brain and bodies through the Easter break. Let us use this break to take a step back, relax, rest and re-evaluate our work and try and understand better each character that inhabits this world.

I shall put up a post end of this week to keep you ticking over the holidays.

Thank you for all your hard work so far.

Royona

PS - Please note that this image is NOT to be used on any website, blog post or social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter as it belongs to the Arena Theatre.