A WORKSHOP WITH GECKO THEATRE

In this workshop, we were taught basic facilitation skills.

We learnt the importance of a circle to involve everyone and connect with everyone in the room and also some warm-up games which can be used with any age group. This information came particularly in handy when we toured our piece; ‘Sparkies’. During the tour, as well as performing, we facilitate a workshop for the children. This always started in a circle and we regularly looked to Gecko for warm-up activities to begin the workshop.

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Another important aspect of Gecko’s work is breath. Gecko aren’t afraid to use audible breath in order to emphasise the different dynamics of their movement phrases. I have found that using breath can be a brilliant method when it comes to creating movement to feel where in the body that movement is truly coming from. I now use breath occasionally when both creating and performing.

We also learnt the necessity that is preparation. Gecko believe that all warm-up activities and any creative exercises are all preparation for the performance. We learned that even if a piece of material that you have made does not fit into a show, it is okay to not use it and ‘bank it’ for another day. This was an important lesson for me and has helped me to grow as an independent physical theatre practitioner.

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The main thing I discovered from the workshop was to not think but do. I feel like as a practitioner it is easy to let your creative brain run away with you and get caught up in the thinking of; What does this mean? How do I do this? However, Gecko often create movement through improvisation. I have brought a lot more improvisation into my creative process, it is a quick and efficient way of creating material. You can then add dynamics or emotion onto this movement which will enable you to efficiently convey the meaning or story to an audience.