Behind the scenes

By Maria Gregoriou

If you ever wanted to be part of the theatrical world – whether that be playing a role on stage, getting to know about the techniques behind creating a character, what goes into costume design or what goes on behind the scenes – an upcoming series of workshops will be of interest.

As of this coming Wednesday The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) will offer a series of workshops every Wednesday until December 2 for professionals in the business, educators and anyone who is interested in learning all about what goes on before the stage is set and the performance begins.

The first workshop on Wednesday is for those who are professionals in the field of theatre and it is entitled Platform Storytelling and it will be led by actor Nektarios Theodorou.

Theodorou will introduce the platform storytelling method, a method which was created by the director and teacher Jacques Lecoq. This method uses a small platform on which the actors use their skills and abilities to act. They do not leave the platform for a scene change, rather they use their bodies to transform the small space for the next scene, and the next and so on.

Next up on September 30, scene and costume designer Elena Katsouri will teach about the stage and its scenery.

Katsouri will introduce participants to the process of transforming a story via the scenery used in each scene. Those involved will get tips on smart scenographic solutions. The workshop will be practical and useful for teachers who are interested in learning more about how you can tell a story with very little resources on a small stage.

October starts with a workshop on lighting with George Koukouma. Koumouma will teach participants the right approach to lighting a scene with limited means, in order to create atmosphere. You will also get a little history lesson and get to know all about best practices when it comes to illuminating a space, using colours and the role light plays in making a story come to life.

This workshop will also run on October 21.

On October 14 the workshop on offer is entitled No to square minds, and it is aimed at school teachers.

Theatre teacher Marina Malenis will talk about the challenges that teachers of theatre face, the responsibilities they have and the magic they can create. Theatre studies can provide a healthy school environment for students and give them an out let for their talents and emotions.

November also has a lot to offer from teaching the methodology approach, teaching young people who to be confident through theatre studies, and playwriting genres.

The workshops will run from 4pm until 7pm at the THOC building close to the old GSP in Nicosia. The fee for each workshop is €6 and each participant will receive a certificate of attendance.

If you are interested in taking part in any of the above workshops, call THOC on 77-772717 before the Sunday before the workshop you are interested in attending.

A full list of workshops on offer can be found at http://thoc.azurewebsites.net/News-Ergastiria_tis_Tetartis_sto_THeatriko_Katafygio_THOK,2025,0,EL.

Theatrical Workshops
A number of workshops to do with the theatre. October 23 until December 2. THOC building, Nicosia. Every Wednesday from 4pm until 7pm. €6. In Greek. Tel: 77-772717

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