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