Wednesday 3 July 2013

Energetic Voice and Vocal Action


Sunday 20. October – Saturday 26. October 2013 
at the Sylviander House:

The Way of the Energetic Voice and Vocal Action
Songs as a Source and special work 
on larynx song technique

workshop & open laboratory 
Directed by Nigar Hasib and Shamal Amin
Lalish Theaterlabor
Research Centre for Theatre and Performance Culture, Vienna/Austria


“Voice for the eye, not only for the ear.Sing, so that I may see you act!”
Nigar Hasib

“We create a flowing space, wherein voices and songsturn into pleasure. 
The voice resembles an action which always allows one to discover something new.”
Shamal Amin 

Voices and songs become the source of rhythm, of physical presence and also the source of action. Songs are not only being sung, but they’r being done. Shamal Amin calls this process “Making songs visible”. Decisive for the importance of the voice and of the ritual singing in this process is, that the multidimensionality of the space is perceived through feeling and hearing the voices, tones and sounds, so that a feeling of space and spatial awareness can develop amongst those present.” Exploration of the human body through the voice, exploration of the physical aspects of the voice and cultural and individual origins, comprise some of the topics of this special workshop.

Costs: 540.- €
for 7 days workshop – around 7 hours per day inside and outside in nature (in english & german language)
including 8 days accommodation with all meals at the Sylviander House –
Eco Homestay & Art Museum, Chettikad-Alappuzha, Kerala, South-India

Costs for indian participants: 20 000 Rs. 
For those not staying in the Sylviander House costs will be 10 000 Rs. (workshop + lunch + coffee/tea/water)

! Limited number of participants, register soon !

Registration is required from now until 20. August 2013
For non-Indian participants registration takes place only after payment of 100, - € 
(this payment is non-refundable in case of cancellation by the participant!)

Travel information: flight to Cochin (Kochi), Kerala, South-India
participants will be picked up by taxi (not included in costs)
arrival at the Sylviander House on Saturday 19. October 2013
departure on Sunday 27. October 2013 (if earlier or later, please inform) 

Registration and further information: Sylvie Bantle, Life@sylvianderhouse.com
short profile of participants please send to: office@lalishtheater.org

 project supported by:

Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, the Arts and Culture


This special workshop unfolds its intensive program at following levels:

1. “The Concept of Voice Anthropology”: practical exploration of this concept by Shamal Amin, a systematical program and special practices will be worked out individually and collectively. 

2. "larynx technique": Special work on larynx song and voice technique by Nigar Hasib

3. Ritualistic singing techniques: Particular work on ritualistic singing techniques and traditionally handed down, old songs. Here the purpose lies not merely in the learning of a melody, but in the discovery of its fullness of sound and its vibrant qualities. Lalish Theaterlabor also pays special attention to firmly rooted body- and singing techniques.

4. Voice- and Bodywork: Songs create our actions, but our actions do not interpret our songs lexically. Therefore each song, each vocal action, prescribes its own precise score for the movement of the body. The body deals directly with the “Life of the Sounds” and its acting becomes organic instead of purely technical. In this way of acting, the body doesn’t become a part of the voice and the voice a part of the body, but they form a unity, because that unity is the original source of expression.

5. Experimental singing and vocal techniques: intensive work on experimental singing and vocal techniques, on specially developed forms of sound, on the positioning and the bearing of the body and on the breath.

6. Voice action: Workshop participants together with the Lalish Theaterlabor will conduct certain voice actions and experiments collectively, and will be performed at the End of workshop.

7. Work demonstration: Lalish Theaterlabor demonstrates its own methods in segments from the research projects 2004-2011; “Songs as a Source”, to further the understanding of the functions of body-impulses, ritual energy (the body as a channel open to energy), forms of movement, originally developed sounds and gestures.

8. The workshop is suitable for actors, director, dramaturge, singer, musician, dancers, lighting and stage designer.

9. The space for the workshop: an empty high acoustic space, by possibility an old architectural space. In suitable weather, some working methods of the workshop can be realized in nature.

10. We will work barefoot, black work clothes.


"My theatre is a river, that flows through worlds" Shamal Amin

no shadow
Work in progress

With and by: Nigar Hasib and Shamal Amin

The internationally successful performance "no shadow" of Lalish Theatrelabor in Vienna/Austria with and by: Nigar Hasib and Shamal Amin, was performed with a great success at 21 international theater festivals in Japan, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Poland, Ukraine, Austria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Morocco, Italy and Macedonia, and received some awards for best voice and singing in the performance: "Sound of MESS 2009" at 48th MESS International Theatre Festival in Sarajevo/Bosnia Herzegovina 2009, Special Award at the 17th Jordan international Theatre festival in Jordan/Amman 2010 and Award "Jacques Lacarriere"/Theatre as dialogue between cavitations at 10th International Theatre Festival "Actor of Europe" in Macedonia/Prespa 2012. This performance was described by critics as a journey from the origin to the present, as a ritual, sensuous, poetic and visual performance, with very special voice technique and body language.

With the research-project “no shadow”(from 2006) and the continuing research “Songs as a Source”, the Lalish Theaterlabor dedicates itself, in performance, to today’s mostly forgotten archeological search for the human voice, its individual and cultural origin and its direct impact.

Nigar Hasib and Shamal Amin seek to discover an original, intermediate and artistic language, outside of the conventional linguistic symbolism. This new, non-linguistic language consists of syllables, sounds, tones and possibly still other vocal expressions, stemming from various different cultures. 

All this leads to a new way of communication in performance. And special work on own composed experimental Voice- and Singing techniques. Voices and songs become the source of rhythm, of physical presence and also the source of action.

Shamal Amin aptly named this new phase in the work of the Lalish Theaterlabor the “Awakening of the Abstract Solemnity”:

“We create a flowing space, wherein voices and songs turn into pleasure. The voice resembles an action which always allows one to discover something new.”

This new, non-linguistic language in the performance work of the Lalish Theaterlabor therefore distinguishes itself fundamentally from today’s so-called artistic languages of world theatre, which primarily deal directly with representation, with things, subjects and stories. 

Shamal Amin and Nigar Hasib always try to create an empty space, which then becomes filled with voice and movement. A space in which the surroundings turn into an “Everywhere and Nowhere“, into a ritual-space and time transforms itself into an “Always and Never”, into a ritual-time.

Songs and voices are not being employed to deepen a dramatic plot or to connect two scenes to one another, or to try to embody the theme of a song. Neither are songs performed for special occasions or to fit a given situation. The Lalish Theaterlabor’s “Songs as a Source” surpass all these limitations and deconstruct such techniques.

Nigar Hasib, describing this process: “ Songs create our actions, but our actions do not interpret our songs lexically. Therefore each song, each vocal action, prescribes its own precise movement-score for the body. The body deals directly with the “Life of the Sounds” and its acting becomes organic instead of purely technical. In this way of acting the body doesn’t become a part of the voice and the voice a part of the body, but they form a unity, because that unity is the original source of expression.”


Lalish Theaterlabor
Research Center for Theatre and Performance-Culture



 “The path of our laboratory work leads to the discovery of a new fusion of voice, movement and life as a whole. The dissolution of the separation between art and life, between aesthetics and common values, is a decisive factor in our research projects.”
Shamal Amin and Nigar Hasib


After the experimental research project “The Culture-Physical Concept”, which was conducted in various countries in the Near East from 1985 until 1991 and “Exploration of Performativ Culture and its Techniques”, from 1992 until 1999 in Europe, Shamal Amin and Nigar Hasib, two extraordinary artists hailing from Kurdistan, founded the “Lalish Theaterlabor” in Vienna, Austria. This experimental center for research in ritual and intercultural performance work ultimately serves to explore the “Present Body in Space and Time” and the “Source of Solemnity”.

In June of 2000 they opened their own center (“theatre-space”). A space to discover ritualistic body elements, in order to create an energetic body instead of a motorial one and to proceed with the experimental research of the processes of solemnity and ritualizing. A place where, together with their ensemble, their fellow researchers and members of a variety of different cultures, they could explore the many questions posed. The theatre-space of the Lalish Theaterlabor was rebuilt and renovated with the financial support of the Kulturamt der Stadt Wien.

From 2002 until 2003 the Lalish Theaterlabor developed the concept “Setting-out for the Sources of Solemnity” and the working process of “Creative-Nature”.  Inherent in these researches are questions like: “How can a ritual frame be developed to guide the spectators perceptions and how can a physical unity be put forth in order to create the ‘Present Body in Space and Time” In addition to that, techniques were developed, which created an access to such potentials.

Essential and central aspects of the research of the Lalish Theaterlabor during that phase were the ritualistic, experimental vocal- and singing techniques and the originally composed songs. The vocal techniques, although always moving within a perimeter of basic principles, would necessarily change according to each specific part of the research

From 2003, based on Shamal Amin’s newly developed methodical work “Voice Anthropology” and under the direction of Nigar Hasib, the Lalish Theaterlabor expanded its experimental ritual performance work with the process “Songs as a Source”. Here songs become the source of rhythm, of physical presence and also the source of action. Thus songs are not only being sung, but they’re being done. Shamal Amin calls this process “Making songs visible”. Decisive for the importance of the voice and of ritual singing in this process is, as Nigar Hasib puts it:“ …that the multidimensionality of the space is perceived through feeling and hearing the voices, tones and sounds, so that a feeling of space and spatial awareness can develop amongst those present.”

The Lalish Theaterlabor Performances, research projects with special Workshop and Lecture were conducted in Kurdistan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Macedonia and Japan. 

Special methodic exchange with Workcentre of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richard, Kazuo Ohno Butoh Dance Studio, Hosho Noh Theatre, Jerzy Grotowski Institute, Odin Theatre at the 14th session of ISTA (International School of Theatre Anthropology) under the direction of Eugenio Barba, and also with different artist and groups from Europe, North Africa, Middle East and Japan.

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Nigar Hasib
Performer, Leader of the voice and singing, artistic director of the Lalish Theaterlabor in Vienna. Master and doctorate philosophy at theatre science and social-culture anthropology at the University of Vienna.

1986-1990 co-founders, Performer, line of the voice and body work „Kurdish experimental theatre“ in South Kurdistan/Iraq and study at the theatre academy of the University of Baghdad/Iraq. Three years Lecturer at college for theatres in South Kurdistan.

Since 1991 lives and works in Vienna.

1998 Co-founders of the Lalish Theaterlabor with Shamal Amin, as a research centre for theatre and performance culture, and since June 2000 opening own of theatre area/laboratory in Vienna.

Co-operation at own experimental research projects with Shamal Amin: from in 1985-1991 in East in the "cultural-physical concept", from in 1992-1999 in Europe in the "investigation of performativ culture and her techniques", from in 2000-2003 development of the concept "departure to the source of the Celebration" and "process: CreativeNature", from 2003 intensive research of own working method "experimental ritual performance" with the process: “Songs as a source".

Since 1984 international appearances and participation at international Theatre festivals in Kurdistan, Iraq, Egypt, Tunis, Jordan, Morocco, Austria, Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, France, Greece, Kosovo, Ukraine, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Macedonia and Japan.

Leader of voice and body Workshops in Europe, North Africa and Japan. Open laboratory, Workshops and course of lectures on the University of Vienna/Austria, Shinshu university/Matsumoto in Japan, Cairo university for representing art/Egypt, college for theatres in Kurdistan/Iraq, University of Prishtina/Kosovo, Theater of Change/ Athens, Ivan Frank University and Les Kurbas Theater in Lviv/Ukraine, Sarajevo Faculty of Drama/Bosnia Herzegovina.  

Exchange with numerous international artists and Theatre laboratory, for example with Parata laboratory of Walter Pfaff/Switzerland, France, with Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richard/Pontadera, Odin Theatre in ISTA (under the direction of Eugenio Barba) in Grotowski Centre/Poland.

Leader of voice-body workshops and open laboratory with participants from Kurdistan, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Holland, Ireland, Portugal, Wales, Greece, France, Italy, Serbia, Latvia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, India, Mexico, Russia, USA, New Zealand, Peru, Chile and Japan.

Participation with special workshop, work demonstration and performance at "Grotowski Year 2009"; a project of UNESCO and Grotowski Institute in Poland.

Nomination and Awards:
1. Award for the best actress in "experimental theater festival" in Baghdad/Iraq 1986.
2. Nominated for the best ensemble with the performance "land of ashes and songs" at 16th Cairo international festival for experimental theatre. Egypt/Cairo 2004
3. Award for the best voice "Sound of MESS 2009" for the performance "no shadow" at 48th MESS International Theatre Festival. Sarajevo/Bosnia Herzegovina 2009.
4. Special Award at the 17th Jordan international Theatre festival. Jordan/Amman 2010.
5. Special Award at the international free Theatre festival. Jordan/Amman 2011.
6. Award "Jacques Lacarriere" for Performance "no shadow" at 10th International Theatre Festival "Actor of Europe". Macedonia/Prespa 2012
7. Award for "the best voice and ritual performance" for performance MONOS - a new version, at the 5th Al-Toqous international Theatre Festival. Amman/Jordan 2012.
8. "Honor Award" at 5th Al-Toqous international Theatre Festival. Amman/Jordan 2012

Publications:
1. Body present in space and time/non-European view on the work of the Performer.
2. Solemn-ritual theatre and performance work/a theatre-scientific and anthropologic investigation.
3. A theatre from ash and song/ the Lalish Theaterlabor. Publish with Shamal Amin.
4. "Lalish magazine" together with Shamal Amin, for performance and research projects.


Shamal Amin
Director, Performer, ethnologist, research leader of the Lalish Theaterlabor in Vienna. Developer of the research method "voice anthropology"/theory and praxis. Master philosophy at theatre science and social-culture anthropology at the University of Vienna. Study in the theatre academy of the university of Baghdad/Iraq.

Since 1991 lives and works in Vienna.

1998 Foundation of the "Lalish Theaterlabor" in Vienna, together with Nigar Hasib, as a "research centre for theatre and performance culture", and since June, 2000 opening own theatrical space / laboratory in Vienna. 

Experimental research projects: from in 1985-1991 in East in the "cultural-physical concept", from in 1992-1999 in Europe in the "investigation of performativ culture and her techniques", from in 2000-2003 development of the concept "departure to the source of the Celebration" and "process: CreativeNature", from 2003 intensive research of own working method "experimental ritual performance" with the process: “Songs as a source".

Co-founder, leader and director of the "Kurdish experimental theatre" in Kurdistan/Iraq.

Since 1984 regular staging and ritual performances research projects and participation in international theatre festivals in Kurdistan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Austria, Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, France, Greece, Kosovo, Ukraine, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy and Macedonia. 

Leader of Voice and Body Workshops in Europe and North Africa. Open laboratory and course of lectures on the University of Vienna/Austria, Cairo university for representing art/Egypt, University of Prishtina/Kosovo, Theater of Change/Athens, Sarajevo Faculty of Drama/Bosnia Herzegovina, Ivan National University and Les Kurbas Theater in Lviv/Ukraine, and also some universities in Teheran/Iran: (fine arts faculty of Tehern university, art and architecture faculty of Azadi university, university Soureh, cinema-theatre faculty of Honar university).

Exchange with numerous international artists and theatre laboratories, for example with “Parata labor” of Walter Pfaff/ Switzerland and France, with “Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richard/Pontadera”, with “Odin Theatre” in 14th Session ISTA/ International School of Theatre Anthropology (under the direction of Eugenio Barba) in Grotowski Institute/Poland.

Leader of perfomances, research projects, special workshops and open laboratory with participants from Kurdistan, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Holland, Ireland, Portugal, Wales, Greece, France, Italy, Serbia, Latvia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, India, Mexico, Russia, USA, New Zealand, Peru, Chile.

Participation with special workshop, work demonstration and performance at "Grotowski Year 2009"; a project of UNESCO and Grotowski Institute in Poland.

Nomination and Awards:
1. Nominated for best ensemble for the performance "land of ashes and songs" at 16th Cairo international festival for experimental theatre. Egypt/Cairo 2004
2. Award for the best voice "Sound of MESS 2009" for the performance "no shadow" at 48th MESS International Theatre Festival. Sarajevo/Bosnia Herzegovina 2009
3. Special Award for the international projects at Iran international Festival of University Theatre 2007-2009
4. Special Award at the 17th Jordan international Theatre festival. Jordan/Amman 2010.
5. Special Award at the international free Theatre festival. Jordan/Amman 2011.
6. Award "Jacques Lacarriere" for Performance "no shadow" at 10th International Theatre Festival "Actor of Europe". Macedonia/Prespa 2012
7. Award for "the best voice and ritual performance" for performance MONOS - a new version, at the 5th Al-Toqous international Theatre Festival.  Amman/Jordan 2012.
8. "Honor Award" at 5th Al-Toqous international Theatre Festival. Amman/Jordan 2012.

Publications: 
1.  "also speaks the celebrator" a theatre manifestation.
2. A theatre from ash and song/ the Lalish Theaterlabor. Publish with Nigar Hasib.
3. " the performativ circle" the circle in ritual and performance.
4. "Lalish magazine" together with Nigar Hasib, for performance and research projects.


Monday 1 July 2013

Butterflies&Dragonflies_01


It needs luck and patience to catch butterflies with the camera. They fly so fast and busy from blossom to blossom dancing in the air. 

Best to watch around the cashew nut tree in front of the Sylviander House while sitting on the morning tea veranda in the rising sun. 





Dragonflies are rare and beautiful too. Some rest on the wall of the house and seem to sleep, that makes it easy to look at them closer. 


I hope to get some more of all these fragile beauties with the time … 
(written by Sylvie Bantle)