The aim of this laboratory is to challenge and broaden the artistic perspectives of creation for babies and children, by investigating and re-thinking existing practices and discovering new, progressive approaches and formats, with the emphasis on choreographic practices. The main focus is on re-thinking choreography and performing arts in the context of the creation for and with children, development of the possible cutting-edge concepts and formats as well as discussing various perspectives of creation. The laboratory’s intention is to raise the awareness of artistic and social relevance of artistic works for babies and children.
The structure of the laboratory is based on the Open space method and it insists on the intensive working sessions. The participants will be invited to propose topics and ideas, discuss different concepts, work in the groups and develop approaches and/or choreographic materials. The focus will be on rethinking performing arts, its elements and their functions, exploring the potentials of each element as well as potentials of their interconnectivity. The laboratory will also emphasize the importance of interactivity and participation as possible ways of enhancing the involvement and experience as well as overcoming usual theatrical physical divisions between performers and children.
Participants will be provided with the basic information about the issues relevant for this field, the information about the referential literature as well as the information about networks and projects dealing with theatre for young audience.
Within the frame of the laboratory participants will be able to have an encounter with the children of targeted age group, to try-out their ideas and observe reactions. The evaluations will be discussed and potentially applied on proposed ideas and choreographic materials.