 |
| On This Site | On the Web | Workshops | Companies | Films/Videos | Bibliography | |
| Editor: (Owen Daly) This page consists of links to the Grotowski material on this site as well as other reference material on Grotowski that you might find interesting or useful. I welcome comments or suggestions for additional inclusions on this list. |
| Towards a Poor Theatre | The first 11 pages of the book "Towards a Poor Theatre", is an article written by Grotowski in 1965, when Grotowski was becoming widely recognized in Europe, he wrote down what he was about. |
| Jeffrey Spolan's Thoughts On Jerzy Grotowski | If you find Grotowski's writing above a little difficult on first read, a more approachable starting point is this email reply written by an actor, a founding member of Pillory Theatre, as he reflects on his experiences with Grotowski's work and its relevance to today. |
| Grotowski in N.Y.C. | A review of a performance of Grotowski's "The Constant Prince" in NYC in October of 1968. |
| Pillory Theater Source Material | A collection of material from Pillory Theater, an American group using Grotowski's techniques. |
| Grotowski's Statement of Principles | Grotowski's ten Principles for Prospective Actors in his theater, extracted from "Towards a Poor Theatre". |
| Memorial Service, NYC, March, 1999 | NY Times' Margaret Croyden's reporting on the service. A tape of Grotowski's voice summarizing his career is played as well as remarks from Harvey Lichtenstein, Margaret Croyden, Judith Malina, Bill Reichblum, and Andre Gregory. |
| A
Tribute from New Zealand |
Paul Maunder saw Grotowski's
Apocalypsis in Sydney in 1969. In 1975 he presented a work he directed at
the Festival of the Open Theatre in Wroclaw Poland. This tribute contains
a succinct overview of Grotowski's life. Contact wkcultur@ihug.co.nz 64 3 732 4010 PO Box 2 Blackball Greymouth New Zealand 7804 |
| Grotowski and Vakhtangov | A question about the influence of Russian director Vakhtangov on Grotowski yields a discussion of theatrical and other influences in Grotowski's education and experience. |
| The lasting effects of this training | An email interview with Jeffrey Spolan and an English Graduate Student in January, 2000 |
| Kalidasa's Shakuntala | From "The Theatre Of Grotowski" by Jennifer Kumiega, This describes the December 1960 production at the Theatre of Thirteen Rows in Opole where Grotowski started his professional directing career in September 1959. |
| Acting as Bliss | American actor William Shephard in rehearsal at Grotowski's Teatr Laboratorium (Laboratory Theatre) in 1970 |
| The Physical Training - Q&A | An email discussion of the place of the physical training in Grotowski's work. |
| Jan Kott's recollections of Grotowski, Opole to Apocalypsis | Jan Kott, born in Warsaw in 1914, was the Polish critic and theoretician of the theatre best known around the world. In this excerpt from his final formal interview he shares his recollections and opinions about Grotowski. |
| Grotowski's First lecture to the College de France, 1997 | In this lecture, towards the end of his career, Grotowski summarizes his work and his views on theatre and performance. Reported by Allen Kuharski, previously published in the journals Periphery and Slavic and East European Performance. |
| Ascetic and Smuggler | Allen Kuharski's article written shortly after Grotowski's death, published in the Yale University magazine "Theater". (.rtf format) |
| Antonin Artaud and Grotowski | A comparison of their techniques in the use of symbolism and ritual and 'holy' theatre. |
| Grotowski's links to Artaud | They are linked by two people, Artaud's director and one of his predecessor. (Thanks to Richard Gaffield-Knight.) |
| Peter
Brook on "Holy Theatre" |
This is an excerpt from Peter Brook's book, The Empty Space published in 1968. He specific discusses Grotowski's work and concept of 'holy' in regards to actors. Brook gives a good description of the differences between the different manifestations of 'holy' in theatre. He refers to, among others, Merce Cunningham, Antoine Artaud, Meyerhold, Samuel Beckett, 'Happenings', Living Theatre led by Julian Beck and Judith Malina, Haitian voodoo. Be sure to read the last paragraph. |
| Grotowski and Yoga | A look into Grotowski's motivation in his life's work by exploring his knowledge of Yoga and the parallels between Yoga and his techniques as a director. |
| Grotowski's Theatrical Roots | A note from Robert Ellermann that presents some of the roots of Grotowski's Lab theatre emanating from the Moscow Arts Theatre, and their grounding in Eastern philosophy. |
| What is Theatre For? | Some thoughts and references about how Grotowski would answer this question. |
| Poor Theatre and Dogma 95 | An email from a drama student noticing similarities. |
| Untitled Text by Grotowski dated July 4, 1998 published in TDR 43:2 T162 · Summer 1999. Grotowski clarifies the work at Pontedera and what he hopes to pass on to those who come after. (.pdf file) | |
| Reminiscence from the Bay Area | Robert S. Currier worked with Grotowski in 1983-1984 in California. |
| Grotowski: Igniting the Flame | An excellent paper by Richard Gaffield-Knight on Grotowski's early career, from student to director of the Laboratory Theatre. |
|
Strasberg on Grotowski | Lee Strasberg Discussing theories of acting including Grotowski under 'Later Developments' |
| Jerzy Grotowski, 1933-1999 | Richard Schechner's thoughts on Grotowski's 'passing from activity into history' , TDR 43:2 T162 (.pdf file ) |
| After The Guru | BY STEPHEN NUNNS writes "Young Artists Confront Grotowski's Legacy" in the Village Voice |
| Jerzy Grotowski and Antonin Artaud: Between Heaven and Hell | A paper by Rick Segreda comparing Grotowski and Artaud (on Tripod.com with ads) |
Grotowski Today: Workshops/Programs
| British Grotowski Project | Paul Allain at the University of Kent in conjunction with the Grotowski Center in Wroclaw and the Workcenter in Pontedera is leading a research project into Grotowski's work and its influence on British theatre. The project is scheduled to run from October 2006 through October 2009. This is their new web site. The 2007 Schedule Poster for showing of film of "The Constant Prince" July, 2007 Letter |
Tracing
Roads Across is a project of Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and
Thomas Richards. This is the current public presentation
of their work. It outlines a vision that houses the ongoing creative
development of the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards
throughout the next three years. Fondazione Pontedera
Teatro, +39 0587 55720 or 57034, or by email - teatro@pontederateatro.it or workcenter@pontederateatro.it April,
2008 |
|
| The Centre
of Studies on Jerzy Grotowski’s Work and of The Cultural and Theatrical
Research is located in Grotowski's Laboratory Theatre in Wroclaw, Poland Address: Rynek-Ratusz 27, 50-101 Wroclaw, Poland Tel/fax: 0048/ 71/ 34 34 267; tel: 0048/ 71/ 34 45 320 e-mail: office@grotcenter.art.pl |
|
| www.grot-lab.com | Mieczyslaw Janowski and Andrzej Paluchiewicz are members of Grotowski's original Laboratory Theatre. They are in Poland. This is their web site. (In the 'Documentation' section, there are two short videos from 'Akropolis' and 'Constant Prince') |
Grotowski
Today: Companies and People
| Nordisk TeatrerLaboratorium/Odin Teatret was founded in Oslo in 1964 by Eugenio Barba and has been based in Holstebro since 1966. Barba worked with Grotowski as a graduate student from 1961 to 1963 maintained a close relationship with him throughout Grotowski's lifetime. Barba's book, Land of Ashes and Diamonds, is a first person account of Grotowski's work and thoughts in the 1960's. Odin Teatret holds performances, workshops and seminars. | |
| Antero Alli is a director in Berkeley California that is doing work that appears to be in the same vein as the Workcenter in Pontedera. They are unrelated, but the threads in Antero Alli's background include Grotowski's influence and interaction with people who have studied with Grotowski. Contact: antero@paratheatrical.com | |
Dzieci
(djyeh-chee) is an international experimental theatre ensemble dedicated
to a search for the "sacred" through the medium of theatre. Dzieci
uses techniques garnered from such theatre masters as Jerzy Grotowski,
Eugenio Barba and Peter Brook, ritual forms derived from Native American
and Eastern spiritual disciplines, and an ethic based securely in Humanistic
Psychology. Based in NYC. Para-Theatrical Marathon January
27-28 2008 |
|
| Jim Slowiak and Jairo Cuesta are the artistic directors of the New World Performance Laboratory based in Akron, Ohio.. Their former student and now drama teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mike Jim Van Lieu gives this background, "Jim began working with Grotowski on the Objective Drama Project at Irvine then moved to Pontedera as a work leader. I think Jairo began working with Grotowski on his Theatre of Sources period in the 70's. They travel the world doing performances and workshops." | |
| Urban Research Theater | The Urban Research Theater is an ongoing project of expeditions and work sessions in New York City. The basic terms of the work are silence, awareness, interaction, simplicity, sweat, and song. Our goal is to develop a core group with a high level of craft that can research the potentials of this kind of work in urban contexts. Current project Song Cycle Email Ben Spatz |
| Steve Wangh | Steve Waugh is a former Professor of Theatre at Emerson College and New York University. Dr Waugh is now teaching physical theatre at Naropa University in Boulder. His participation in a workshop with Grotowski in 1967 has been a continuing influence in his work. Author of an excellent book on physical theatre, 'An Acrobat of the Heart' (see below), Dr. Waugh is also working on a new book about teaching physical acting. Email |
| Paul Maunder | Paul has explored
Grotowski's methodology through group work for three decades. He now lives
in the country, works with senior students at the college level, and
is happy to have correspondence with students, or to hold workshops with
people who wish to explore this theatre space. Email 64 3 732 4010 PO Box 2 Blackball Greymouth New Zealand 7804 |
| Ang Gey Pin | Ang Gey Pin has worked at the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards, Italy, since 1998. She mainly concentrated her creative impulse in one branch of research at the Workcenter, Project the Bridge, developing theatre arts. She has been a key member of this branch of research at the Workcenter, being the main actress in One Breath Left (1998–2002) and Dies Irae (2003– 2006). Prior to this, she participated for one year in Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards’ main line of research, Art as Vehicle, in 1994. EMail At British Grotowski Project October 1,2, 2007 |
| Instructor,
performer at The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas Website: http://www.utdallas.edu/~curchack/index.html Email |
|
| In Iran in 2001 | Email and pictures from Black Narcissus, an Iranian experimental theatre group |
| Iran in 2007 - TANTALOS | Email and pictures fromTANTALOS, an Iranian experimental theatre group which rehearsed for a year before giving one performance of their performance of MEDEA in the desert. They are working on a new production. Statement by Ahmadreaza Nouri, Director of “TANTALOS” Experimental Theater Group Email: holy.actor@gmail.com |
| C.I.R.T | Centro Indipendente Ricerca Teatrale Sede: Via Ricotti 11 C.A.P.: 20158 Milano Italia (E) Tel: 0039-0(2)-39324409 SMS: 338 - 1473590 Email: teacirt@yahoo.it Photos |
| CIRFT | Centre Internationale
de Recherche et de Formations Théâtrale STAGES
2007 |
| Para Active | Para Active is a theatre company
based in East London which focuses on creative theatre production and
research into performer training. The
company has an experimental and progressive stance realised through investigative
laboratory work that explores the potentiality of performers, performance
techniques and experiments with theatre spaces and audiences. In terms
of training and aesthetics, their approaches and methodologies owe a great
deal to the legacy of Jerzy Grotowski. Hamilton Road Centre, 1 Hamilton Rd, Stratford, London E15 3AE 44 (0)207-474 0009 |
| Fool's Fury | Based in San Francisco, Fools Fury recently performed at PS122 in NYC. Established in 1998, foolsFURY creates immediate physical works of theater that take full advantage of all the elements of live performance. We believe theater, like all great art, should hold beauty and induce wonder. A member of the company, Stephen Jacob, trained with Jerzy Grotowski in the Objective Theater Project at the University of California, Irvine. 415.626.0453 (ext. 107) Email: Ben Yalom, Artistic Director at ben@foolsfury.org |
| ARTEL |
American Russian Theatre Ensemble Laboratory, Los Angeles ARTEL
is a theater laboratory collective that creates and performs original work
through investigation of cultures and histories. |
| Towards a Poor Theatre, Jerzy Grotowski, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1968 Click here for Excerpt This is the first of the publications of Grotowski's thoughts and theories published internationally. It contains nine articles or talks written by Grotowski or interviews with him. In addition, it contains articles by Ludwik Flaszen and Eugenio Barba who collaborated with Grotowski. It also contains detailed and illustrated accounts of the physical training techniques used by Grotowski's actors from 1959-62 and in 1966. |
| At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions, Thomas Richards, Routledge, London,1995 |
Land
of Ashes and Diamonds My Apprenticeship in Poland and 26 Letters from
Jerzy Grotowski to Eugenio Barba, Eugenio Barba, Black Mountain
Press, 1999 London
|
| The Theatre of Grotowski, Jennifer Kumiega, Methuen, 1985. A detailed chronicle of Grotowski's career from 1959 in Opole through about 1980 organized in three sections, 'History', 'Theory', and 'Post-Theatre'. I especially like the detailed accounts of Grotowski's productions. In the appendix the author presents a detailed description of a performance of 'Apocalypsis Cum Figuris', the last production of a theatrical performance directed by Grotowski. There are many photographs of people, productions and posters. |
| Grotowski and His Laboratory, Zbigniew Osinski, PAJ Publications, 1986, translated and abridged by Lillian Vallee and Robert Findlay. The original material covers the period from Grotowski's youth (born:1933) through 1976, the eighteenth year of the Laboratory Theatre's existence. Excellent information about Grotowski's early life and influences. It presents a chronological account of detailed information about each of the productions. Many pictures, production drawings, posters. Includes many contemporary comments or Grotowski's work. |
| An Acrobat of the Heart : A Physical Approach to Acting, Stephen Wangh, Andre Gregory(Afterword), Vintage, 2000 |
| The Grotowski Sourcebook, Richard Schechner(Editor), Lisa Wolford(Editor), Routledge, 1997 (Paperback 2001) This is a collection of articles by Grotowski and his associates, critics, and many others involved in theatre and interested in Grotowski's work from 1957 to 1997. It is divided into four sections, 'Theatre of Productions', 'Paratheatre and Theatre of Sources', 'Objective Drama', and 'Art as a Vehicle' which represent the different stages of Grotowski's career and work. |
| Towards
an Archeology of the Soul, Antero Alli & Friends, Vertical Pool,
Berkeley, 2003 "Workbook" by a current director influenced by Grotowski. Introduction (.pdf format) |
| "Akropolis" | Akropolis,
a production by Jerzy Grotowski for the Polish Laboratory Theatre, takes
the concentration camp at Auschwitz for its setting, and, for its plot,
the building by the prisoners of the gas chamber in which they will be consumed.
This work is of a transcendent pity and terror and is the only work of art
I know that is in some measure aesthetically commensurate with the Nazi
history it springs from. Akropolis stands alone, a strange, classical moment
of genius, lyrical, painful, of a sublime seriousness, rooted in our forgotten
life, in the tatters of the Hellenistic and Biblical culture that trembled
there before the darkness of extermination. This appears to be currently
out of print, but still available in many university libraries. -Elizabeth Hardwick, New York Review of Books |
| "Jerzy Grotowski" | The
director of the Polish Lab Theater talks with theater critic Margaret Croyden
(translated by Jacques Chwat, theater director). Grotowski discusses the relationship
between director and actor, a playwright's function, and the idea of his "poor"
theater that renounces everything not essential to the work. 1970, 55 mins. |
| Both
of the have been available from Facets
Multimedia
in Chicago. Akropolis seems to be out of print-check university libraries.. | |
| E-Mail:Owen Daly | | Home | |
Pages by owendaly.com
last updated: October 1, 2007