With and After Grotowski

Abstract

In 1996, Jerzy Grotowski changed the name of his Workcenter at Pontedera in Italy to that of the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards, and it was here that Richards and his associate Mario Biagini developed the Actions that had originated with their thirteen years of close collaboration with Grotowski before his death in 1999. Dies Irae was premiered in 2004. Various research projects led by Richards and/or Biagini include Tracing Roads Across (2003–06) and Open Programme, which began in 2007. Such works as I am America, crafted on the poems of Allen Ginsberg, and Electric Party, both directed by Biagini and first performed in 2009, have emerged from Open Programme. A recently ‘finalized’ work, The Letter (2008), directed by Richards, was the result of a long process of development that passed through three major phases and two differently named Actions, starting in 2003. Richards is the author of At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions (1995) and Heart of Practice (2008), while Biagini has edited, with Antonio Attisani, the three-volume Opere e Sentiere (2007 and 2008). The conversation below is an edited version, in consultation with Richards and Biagini, of their discussion with Maria Shevtsova in November 2008, as part of her ‘Conversations’ series at Goldsmiths, University of London. These last pupils of Grotowski give uncommon insight into the processes of their work together, continuing their generous and open reflections in their responses to questions from members of the audience.