International workshop
Improvisation and Spontaneity

October 23-26, 2002
Malpils, Latvia

In the period of October 23-27 Malpils became the creative epicentre for actors, choreographers, directors, dancers and psychologists from different countries. Sergey Ostrenko and Indra Mayore were leading the programme. Among the foreign guests there were Pamela Gay Woods and Evered Woodward from the United Kingdom, actor from the United States Caleb Hammond - they had made the long journey in order to meet colleagues in the very heart of Latvia – Malpils Parich. Pam also carried out several brilliant classes on movement and voice which brought completely new wave in the programme.

The workshop programme was focused on the intensive practical training which covered the wide range of themes: the meaning of proper breathing, exploration of methods stimulating collective creative process, psychological gesture, concept of will and emotional color in action by Michael Chekhov, process of attention, etc. As the result participants created numerous interesting improvisations and etudes. Evenings were spent in discussions. Participants developed conversations about the relationship between technical skills and ability to improvise, the criteria of professional and non-professional art, the difference between conscious and unconscious spontaneity, the rules and regulations helping the group to open creative potential, the question of leadership, the role of the leader. Participants also watched and analyzed video materials of performances.