Lecture panel. 23. Friday afternoon
Playing with instability
One experiment after another in arts based research
Led by: Drew Bird (University of Derby, U.K.)
The proposed lecture is a development of earlier published work in the book self and performance edited by Pendzik, Emunah Read Johnson (2016) that explores autobiographical theatre within a research frame. Over 3 years the researcher has developed ten solo performances. After each performance cycle feedback from the audience helped inform the next development and performance using improvisation in the devising process. The importance of focussing and immersing oneself in the performance process will illustrate the importance of experimentation in research and growing awareness as an artist, researcher and drama therapist. The lecture will explore the role of the research methodology known as Heuristic Inquiry (HI) as a suitable frame for arts based research that helps to facilitate open-ended inquiry, discovery and tacit knowledge as central characteristics of HI and experiential learning. The lecture will explore the role of somatic impulses, hunches and the intuition to help develop understanding of HI and arts based research for personal and professional development. By surrendering to uncertainty in artistic exploration one gains more understanding of oneself and ones innate tendencies that can impact on work as a Drama therapist. The lecture will explore how ones attachment patterns can be mirrored in the art making process and how the dynamic between the performer and audience can offer insight into potential attachment patterns within the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. The lecture will use small clips of film footage and live performance to illustrate turning points in the research using illumination and creative synthesis as key tenants in HI and ones development as a solo performer and drama therapist.
Drew Bird: Drama therapist, Drama therapy supervisor, solo performer, playback conductor and actor. Course leader MA in Drama therapy (2008-2015) and (2017), Senior Lecturer (2015-17) of the Dramatherapy and Creative Expressive Therapies course, University of Derby, U.K. d.p.bird@derby.ac.uk