Ziad Adwan is a theatre maker, trainer, and academic with a PhD in theatre studies from Royal Holloway, University of London. Dr. Adwan's workshop is based on his personal journey exploring the concept of mistakes in theatre, which started as a PhD thesis in London (2008) and developed through various writings, plays and performances.
Why do actors pretend to break character and why do clowns on tightropes pretend to fall? What makes the audience laugh when mistakes are feigned in live programmed shows? How does the audience’s knowledge and expectations influence its reactions? Thinking about mistakes underlines correctness in theatre. But theatre has always rebelled against conventions and correctness. In this context, how can we approach mistakes in theatre, and what potential do they hold?
In this workshop, mistakes in theatre will be approached as accidental actions (such as when actors forget their lines, a clown really falls, or an audience member interrupts the play). It is also approached as an error of judgment when actors and/or audience perceive, or misperceive, the actions and the characters on stage as real. The workshop will present examples of these incidents, conceptualize definitions, and explore potential developments of ideas and emotions resulting from making mistakes in theatre.
Link to register: https://osu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdeigrz4vHNUwzzJa4F4eAasHQhpsFn2R
Note: Dr. Adwan will be giving this workshop over Zoom, however, participants are encouraged to meet in Hagerty 071 to be in person.
Co-sponsored by the Office of International Affairs and the Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures.
