Playing ON’s Biggest Inspirations
“Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.”
"There are many terms to describe what we do; “community theatre, participatory theatre, applied theatre” are some that have been bandied around for years. Then there are the new kids on the block; “co-production and co-creation.” One of my biggest concerns is that we forget that the key element is simply “theatre,” which, when practised with rigour, kindness and courage gives us all these things in spades (participation, application, community etc). The following theatre heroes are a diverse bunch who work in very different settings from each other. What unites them is a belief that within the parameters of any project, a playful approach using various theatre methods filtered through a rich Stanislavskian heritage can produce work of genuine quality in any setting. - Jim Pope, Artistic Director & CEO
Mike Alfreds
Mike Alfreds is an English theatre director, adapter, translator and teacher. He is our patron and his life is devoted to process and the power of the actor above all aspects of theatre. He taught us that performances should be different every night like a fresh cooked meal and not something reheated in the microwave.
Augusto Boal
Whilst we don’t do forum theatre per se our engagement programmes and community shows use many techniques inspired by him, which actively involve the audience. Our Artistic Director, Jim, attended a Rainbow of Desires training with the man himself and remembers his mischievous grin and how fiercely his eyes twinkled.
Keith Johnstone
Keith started the ball rolling for improvisation groups all over the place. Whilst many of his exercises were later adopted by tv comedy shows, his book Impro details the ways in which nurturing the performers spontaneity can summon pure magic from the blandest of situations.
Chris Johnson
He documented best practice in applied theatre before the term even existed. His books House of Games and Drama Games for Those Who Like to Say No are essential resources for all budding theatre workshop leaders.
Leap Confronting Conflict
Jim works as a trainer for Leap using group delivery techniques to create a safe and democratic space where everyone can have their voice heard. Their approach works wonders in prisons and YOT teams and is equally effective in a rehearsal space.
Katie Mitchell
We love the detail Katie Mitchell brings to her work and the way her productions create a living breathing entity. Her book The Director’s Craft is full of practical rehearsal techniques which immerse the actors in the world of the play.
Sanford Meisner
Meisner technique is everywhere nowadays but Jim first encountered it in 1995 and it blew him away. All good Stanislavsky trained actors learn about playing objectives at drama school but his repetition exercise teaches how to do the other bit. How to actively listen and respond impulsively without self consciousness. Not something to be learnt from books but in a workshop with a good teacher.