field

of research

We know what nature looks like: sea, stones, sky, trees. And it seems to us that we know it. In the same way, it seems to us that we know ourselves — our nature, our character, our desires. We are used to thinking that inside us everything (or at least much) is already known.

At the retreat, we propose to go deeper — in both directions. Toward the outer nature of Cyprus: its rocks, sea, air, light. And toward the inner nature of each of us: the creative depth we often do not suspect.

We will do this through two stage disciplines — Butoh dance and the Demidov acting method. The goal is not to master professional stage methods in a week, but to "awaken" one’s natural creative origin through theater and dance — that origin which is often hidden behind habitual everydayness.

core

principle

The essence of both disciplines is organicity and non-violence. It is a radical permission to be open to what already exists. Nature is what already exists — both within us and around us. It does not need to be created; one only needs to learn not to interfere with it.

N.V. Demidov

first method

The goal of the Demidov method — created by the Russian director and teacher who worked in the first half of the 20th century — is to create deep, genuine life on stage. Demidov proposed an approach of radical freedom and trust in one’s creative nature. His method consists in allowing oneself, on stage, while listening to oneself, to do what one wants and not to do what one does not want. We assign the text and circumstances, and then allow life to unfold through us freely and unimpeded.

second method

Butoh dance originated in Japan and has a rich history and roots. In our sessions we will train one of its main principles: creating distance from one’s personality and its "removal."

Butoh is the dance not of the personality, but of the essential — that which enters into contact with the world. The process of "removing" the personality is like exposing the seabed during low tide. The Japanese call the essential body nikutai — "inner landscape": a mysterious and hidden (even from ourselves) space that stores the body’s habits, memories, and dreams. Its manifestation on stage can expand ideas about oneself and the world, and lead to deep changes both in the dancer and in the viewer.

We will do a lot of work in the landscape of Cyprus’s remarkable nature: touching grass, stones, immersing the body in water, stretching it out in the wind and freeing the gaze, letting the horizon deep into oneself, awakening the mysterious dimension. Landscape performances will be born from these sessions.

For whom

No stage experience is required to participate in the retreat.

The purpose of the retreat is to gain direct experience of a genuine, "un-invented," and non-violent creative state. For non-professionals, this opens new horizons in life; for professionals, it "cleanses" perception and gives a fresh view of one’s creative trajectory.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a very beautiful island that has both mountains and sea

Program

Our day will consist of:

● two three-hour working sessions

● breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner

● mandatory free time

Accommodation

and daily life

We will live and work in a large white villa a 15-minute walk from the sea, with several rooms, a kitchen, a space for classes, and large terraces. Accommodation for 2 or 3 people per room.

Cost

Registration

If the retreat resonates with you, send us an application.

Feel free to write to us — we are glad to meet and communicate!

We will reply within 12 hours.