Lysistrata
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Keywords
Lysistrata, contemporary theatre, performance studies, theatre direction, choreography, creative practice research, practice-led research, community arts, collaborative performance, ensemble creation, dramaturgy, performing arts, audience engagement, somatic practice, embodied learning, contemplative practice, mind-body awareness, creative methodology
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2015
Research Statement
Research Background
Lysistrata is a contemporary adaptation of Aristophanes’ Old Comedy presented at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre’s Cube Theatre (July 2015). I directed and choreographed the live performance and worked closely with emerging artists and community to develop an original script, stage design and music. The work further tested my original creative methodology Underscore Alchemy; attracted media attention; built skills; created new audiences for locally produced contemporary performing arts; fostered engagement between ECU, arts organisations and the community.
Research Contribution
The work is the first application of my ongoing research enquiry Underscore Alchemy (see RAS 18188, 18236, 20429) to a public creative outcome. UA is an original methodology that supports creative practice through mind-body awareness in line with research that shows the value of contemplative practice for relational and academic outcomes. My contribution extends knowledge by successfully applying these principles to a collaborative community artwork through a focus on somatic awareness and play. Findings were presented at Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies 2016 and published in peer-reviewed conference proceedings (RAS 21428). New research projects apply UA to a writing group (The Other Writing Group) and self-care for social workers (Embodying Practice).
Research Significance
Gained BREC funding to produce work and established professional standing, leading to commission for a new co-production. Twice performed to full houses (audience of 500) and critically acclaimed in local press. Gained support of Ausdance WA to mentor student arts worker and attest to positive participant experience. Both organisations conducted audience response surveys providing me with data for further work. The work generated teaching and learning outcomes: 1 undergraduate research project, 1 professional placement, 1 Honours research project.
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
19532
Event Dates
31 July 2015
Event Venue
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre
Duration
1hr x 2 performances
Documentation Statement
This record presents a documented representation of the research output, including the research statement and associated contextual metadata. The creative work itself is not included. Where available, external links are provided to representations of the work.
Content Type
Documentation only
DOI Statement
The DOI refers to the repository metadata record only and serves as a documentation identifier.
Recommended Citation
McKenzie, V. (2015). Lysistrata [Play]. Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.