DIY: 2007 – What’s missing – eating, talking, sharing challenge; regaining autonomy in performance train

Four mid to late career artists will spend four intensive days leading each other in training and questioning around body as site.

Led by Rajni Shah.

Five sessions between May and August 2007.
London.
Deadline: FULLY BOOKED.

The Project
A series of labs for mid to late career artists making work that problematises identity using their own body as site.

Proposed schedule:
Preliminary meeting week commencing 21 May
Session 1: Monday 2 July
Session 2: Friday 13 July
Session 3: Friday 24 August
Session 4: Friday 31 August

The driving forces behind these labs are a desire for community, challenge and peer to peer support specifically amongst solo/independent performers who are mid to late career, who are working with issues of identity using their own body as site, and who have a sure understanding about their own work. The project springs from Rajni’s experience as an independent artist making this type of work. She says “I’ve found myself increasingly hungry for some really focused time working with artists at a similar level to me – broadening voice and sharpening awareness. Through this project, I’d like to facilitate training where we can dive in pretty deep, create spaces within which we might each and together explore different questions around working with the body in performance.”

The project takes the form of four artist-led development labs focused on specific questions to do with pushing the boundaries of the body in a performative context. Each session may combine practical and theoretical learning, and will be led by one of the participants. There will only be four participants in this project, but there will also be a public session at the end to allow us to share our learning and process in some way. It is important that applicants are available for all sessions and are able to commit to leading one of them. In addition, each artist will need to be able to commit to preparing a simple meal after one of the sessions. There is also for an informal showing/sharing at the completion of the project.

Application Procedure

Participants will be selected by application. To apply send a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the labs along with a cv or biography. Please include contact details and availability for the proposed dates. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to have a conversation with Rajni to discuss the project in more detail. Some applicants may be asked for additional material.

This project does not cost anything to take part in. However, each artist is required to lead one of the sessions and will be required to prepare a shared dinner at the end of another of the sessions. Each artist will be paid a fee of £125 in return for the work involved in this.

Your application should be sent to [email protected] by 6pm on Monday 30 April. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Monday 14 May.

About the Artist

Rajni Shah is a freelance performance artist, writer and producer currently based in London and the South East of the UK. Her work explores the fine boundaries between performers and audience, between fiction and stark reality, and between stereotype and inner truth. She has performed in the UK and USA, including most recently at the National Review of Live Art, Fresh Festival, Camden People’s Theatre, Chisenhale Dance Space, The Place (Robin Howard Dance Theatre) and The Chelsea Theatre. Rajni is currently an Artist Associate for Chisenhale Dance Space, a Creative Adviser for Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company, Project Director for Restock, Rethink, Reflect with the Live Art Development Agency, and a Live Art Development Agency One to One bursary recipient. She is on the board of directors for the New Work Network and is an active member of Alternate ROOTS (USA). Please see www.rajnishah.com for a more complete history of performances and events.

Any Questions
If you have questions whatsoever, please feel free to email Rajni at [email protected] before 26 April.