Pure Research with Nightswimming There are few places in Canada where in-depth theatrical research can be explored without the pressures of developing and/or performing a new work. Nightswimming’s unique Pure Research program provides space, money and resources to artists who are pursuing a provocative theatrical question.
Pure Research is designed to foster theatrical experiments which are not linked to a particular project. In the spirit of inquiry, we assist artists to discover what they need to explore in order to further their work. We want you to tell us what you don’t know and how you might be able to answer your questions through a Pure Research workshop. What does that mean? It means that if you want to explore the theatrical implications of silence, or how the techniques of shiatsu could be applied to a rehearsal process, or how to stage 19th century marxists texts and can articulate why that exploration is important to you, we might give you space and money to carry out your research. These examples are from workshops conducted at the Theatre Centre in 1998. Pure Research is an offshoot of the Research program which Brian Quirt developed at the Theatre Centre when he was their resident dramaturg. If you have a theatrical question, and can pose it in terms of an experiment, then we’re interested. We will supply studio space for up to three days, a fee for the lead researcher and a small budget for cast and materials. All Pure Research projects will be documented and the results posted on Nightswimming’s website. Researchers will be required to submit a full report within one month of completing their experiment. Nightswimming staff will be present to observe and to offer assistance if requested.
The Details: • Submission Deadline: November 4, 2002 • Pure Research projects will be scheduled during XXX; please indicate your availability between XXX and XXX. • Please read the submission criteria below. Nightswimming is a dramaturgical company dedicated to exploring the boundaries of dramaturgy and performance. We commission and develop new works of theatre, dance and music. For more information, or if you have questions about applying, visit www.nightswimmingtheatre.com.
Pure Research Submission Process We need a concise but detailed proposal outlining: – – – –
your question and what you want to learn from it how you intend to conduct the experiment practical details such as time, people and equipment required any relevant support material such as text or prior research.
We are particularly interested in: – exploring poetic or stylized text in any form or genre – integration of sound, movement, technology and text – artists who view research and development as a long-term process, rather than simply as a short-cut to production – a sense of artistic spirit of inquiry. What to send us: – a cover letter introducing yourself and defining the application: preferred dates, amount of time requested, budget, specific goals – a project description of no more than two pages – a list of collaborators, if known – c.v. of principal artist – videos: only to introduce physical artists to us. Please provide a brief explanation of where and when the video was shot – do not send press clippings, photos, programs, press kits or folders. Also: – be honest about what you know, what you don’t know, what you want, what you’d like to achieve – all applicants will be informed by mail in January 2003 – please provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your material returned – we will meet with those whose submissions intrigue us, before making our final decisions. Please send application to:
Brian Quirt, Artistic Director Nightswimming 36 St. Paul Street, Toronto, ON, M5A 3H3, Canada