March 3, 4, 5, 2025
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (1-hour break)
Location: To be determined
Detailed description of the training activity
Desire, violence, nudity, exhaustion: playing with the boundaries of the performing body sometimes requires facing shadowy, unspoken areas, as though venturing into these slippery spaces “in the name of art” should come at the expense of our comfort and safety. This abandonment of our own limits too often results in confusion, blocks, or trauma. So, how can we find comfort in executing scenes, choreographies, or performative actions that are not comfortable to perform? By applying communication tools to voice our needs and fears, we will learn how to create safe spaces to deepen the exploration of our own boundaries. By adding a ritual dimension to these actions, we will see how to reclaim the sacred power of our creative acts.
ACCESSIBILITY
Every morning, we will activate our bodies, energy, and creativity through a period of free movement, supported by intense music. We will then hold a talking circle to hear the group’s needs, followed by the facilitator providing some theory on the day’s concepts. Depending on the topics explored, there will be work in pairs or trios, involving touch and verbal exchanges. Discussions and exchanges in small and large groups are a significant part of the workshop. All instructions are given orally, sometimes followed by a demonstration. Aside from the morning dance, the structure of the workshop will change daily, increasing in emotional intensity as the week progresses. Participation in each exercise is voluntary and optional, with respect for everyone’s boundaries. No specific physical requirements are necessary.
Facilitator:
Stéphane Crête
A multidisciplinary artist, ritualist, and writer, Stéphane Crête surprises with his unconventional path (theater, cinema, installation, performance art). Alongside his acting career, he has developed a pedagogy blending creative processes with self-discovery, through a series of workshops offered with institutions such as École Essentia, Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City, RAIQ, and Studio 303. His workshops address themes of grief, presence, and intimacy through trance and conscious touch, as well as stages specifically designed for performing artists.