Feminist Theater Masterclass Series | Summer 2018

5 SESSIONS, 2-PARTS EACH

Each session in the masterclass series was comprised of two elements: a Thursday night salon, which introduced the subject matter and provided source-material for theatrical interpretation in the Sunday afternoon, theater masterclass.

the series we taught the following Performance Techniques:

Composing autobiographical performance
Narration using poetic movement
Developing feminist narrative structure
Transforming ideas into visual form using poetic movement, character, and storytelling
Enhancing performance skills such as physical presence, vocal technique, embodied movement and acting.

The Feminist Theater Master Class Series is a 5-part workshop that delved into the myth of Judith (Apocryphal) through the lens of feminist theory. The series kick-started the research and development of the contemporary theatrical adaptation of the myth. This free workshop provided a brave space for performers and non-performers alike to find their own voices and stories in the feminist and original apocryphal texts in community through performance.

Through discussion and collaboration, this creative process was designed to foster allyship and community amongst all who identify personally with the struggle for gender equity, welcoming womxn, female-identifying, gender non-conforming, and trans folks.

Facilitated by Nessa Norich, Mati Engel and special guests speakers.

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Masterclass topics:

Session #1: UN-OTHERING: SPEAKING OURSELVES INTO POWER

A FREE Afternoon Salon/Masterclass Combo (Complimentary and open to all, commitment-free)

Sunday June 24th, 3:00-7:00 PM [Repair the World, 808 Nostrand Ave BK]

Learning Objectives:

To discuss and embody sisterhood as an opposing force to the alienating and marginalizing impacts of oppression. We will build rituals, agreements and actions that cultivate the power of the collective feminine.

Session #2: CONSTRUCTING THE HEROINE: JUDITH AS FEMINIST

Evening Salon. Thursday July 12, 7-9pm [245 Varet Street, Bushwick, BK]

Afternoon Masterclass. Sunday July 15, 3-7pm [Repair the World, 808 Nostrand Ave BK]

Learning Objective:

Through a collaborative retelling of the Judith text, we subvert power structures of patriarchal narratives by translating the plot through shifting perspective. We will revise Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s journey to invent the heroine’s journey based on the diversity and subjectivity of our lived experiences.

Session #3: SUBVERTING OPPRESSION THROUGH THEATRICAL REPRESENTATION

Evening Salon. Thursday July 26, 7-9pm [245 Varet Street, Bushwick, BK]

Afternoon Masterclass Sunday July 29, 3-7pm [Repair the World, 808 Nostrand Ave BK]

Learning Objectives:

To understand oppression, we outline the contemporary map of violence and repression in America and discuss its psychological and material motivations for repression such as fear, scarcity and greed. With this model, we personify the forces of aggression which call Judith to resistance, with new interpretations of her adversaries.

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Session #4: THE CALL: ACTIVISM AND SPIRITUALITY

Panel event: Thursday August 9, 7-9pm, [Repair the World, 808 Nostrand Ave BK]

Afternoon Masterclass. Sunday August 12, 3-7pm [TBA]

Learning Objective:

To understand Judith’s POV in the climactic moment when she murders the Assyrian general as both an act of retribution for her own sexual trauma and an expression of spiritual devotion. We will listen to and interpret true accounts of survivors of trauma who have transmuted their experiences to become activists.

Session #5: ACCESSING THE EROTIC FORCE THROUGH RITUAL

Evening Salon. Thursday October 11, 7-9pm [245 Varet Street, Bushwick, BK]

Afternoon Masterclass. Sunday October 14, 3-7pm [TBA]

Learning Objective:

“The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane”, writes Audre Lorde. To understand Judith’s activism as an expression of the erotic, we will collectively construct and enact a ritual intended to connect us to our source of creativity, wildness, and desire.

TESTIMONIALS

“I've loved working with you. It has been challenging, thought provoking, soul churning, motivating, and inspiring. I want to do more with you as this experience has rekindled a flame that I realize I allowed the patriarchy to suffocate. Never again. Being with you women made the ignited the flame by mere reflection it seems. The fire burning in each and everyone of you shines so bright that is cleared out the darkness of oppression that unknowingly settled over me and allowed my flame to burn brighter, illuminating hidden parts of my psyche and emotions. For this I thank you. All of you. Please share with the other leaders that have made this experience possible.”

Jana Malloy

“It's such a deep pleasure to see a new generation of Jewish feminists taking up the work of grappling with and transforming tradition. We loved the way, at the Judith workshop we attended, Nessa invited the participants to connect the Judith story with contemporary issues. The thorough background materials she prepared, and the prompts she offered, enabled everyone to engage at their own level. The creative interpretations people came up with in just a few of hours were amazing and inspiring. We can't wait to see the finished production!”

Judith Plaskow and Martha Ackelsberg