3 week short course

23, 30 June, 7 July

19:00 - 21:00 every night

The Viewpoints workshop starts with a group of people standing in a space and ‘tuning in’ to the ensemble. This is the moment BEFORE. Then the group begins to move freely and instinctively around the studio. Music is introduced. Then a set of instructions from the tutor are added into the ‘journey’. Participants are encouraged to use voice (words and/or sounds) as the process progresses.

It is a continuing improvisation – but participants are encouraged to occasionally step out, rest, refresh and observe the developing scenarios (and then encouraged to re-join the group when inspired).

Participants are encouraged to follow instincts and work in duets or groups as the improvisation unfolds. Once each of the 9 Viewpoints have been examined in isolation, the task is to keep all of them in the body and in the voice as scenarios come and go.

Each two-hour workshop is, essentially, a mystery! It begins with the performers in the space, adds in music (to be used or ignored as we see fit), then adds the experience of the nine Viewpoints as the ensemble moves around – then, after a while, ANYTHING can happen! We develop an ‘Open’ improvisation which always includes: choral work, individual work, composition... story-telling, character invention and development, families, teams, relationships... doing... listening... working together... daring ourselves and really using the very architecture of the space we are in.

Participants don’t even need to think... they simply have to do things, listen and be open to possibilities.

If strong narratives begin to emerge, we can take them forward into devised pieces for rehearsing, refining and showing to others. But we don’t need to begin with an idea or responsibility to create a show. 

Jan Knightley came across The Viewpoints while working as a performer (both in Shakespeare and in devised shows) in the United States. All aspects of this system might feel familiar to every performer. The Viewpoints way gives us names for the familiar things. The narrowing down and focussing of aspects of the human being in time and space. They form a very useful, practical, physical and simple system of studio techniques for regular practice, devising and performing.

He began his general training with Yat Malmgren at Drama Centre London in the early 1980s. He was a colleague of Rudolph Laban - Jan still uses Laban’s 8 Effort Actions (as well The Viewpoints) every day in his work. He developed an interest in physical theatre – as well as in Shakespeare. Jan has had a 40-year career as a performer – all over the world – always searching for the simple, demystified and accessible beauty to be found in simple human truths.

Since trained to be a voice practitioner (MA Voice Studies at RCSSD), and now specialising in the voice and the body. A Performer, Acting Coach, Voice Coach and Personal Trainer.

To be able to participate in this workshop, all attendees will be asked to provide a weekly Lateral Flow Test result before entering the building. These tests can be done in a local testing centre near you (find the nearest @ https://www.gov.uk/find-covid-19-lateral-flow-test-site) or they can be ordered for free on the gov.uk website.

Please note: Lateral Flow Test result should be taken and submitted a maximum of 3 days before the event start, and sent to office@fourthmonkey.co.uk.
Entry without a Lateral Flow Test result will not be permitted, and your ticket will be invalidated without a refund.