Stagelab deals with the various parameters of the stage in the context of performance art and experimental theatre, and aims to explore the relation between human bodies and technologies by developing and presenting theatrical scenes and performances. Its research goal is to investigate the esthetic and technical qualities of materials and instruments when combining these with the body. A second goal is to familiarize the participants with the performative qualities of the body and its potential in relation to space. This lab is not body centered, but uses the body occasionally to produce ideas and initiate processes. To be able to use the body as an instrument or as an object or shape, several sessions will be dedicated to practical exercises and assignments. To become aware of the relation between the body and performative parameters like time/timing, tension, light, space and sound, these exercises are planned in such a way that they will the basis of the development of scenes.
The Lab year is divided into sections in which theory and historical examples are discussed and given as context for practical assignments. During the year, students are asked to formulate their own research questions that relate to the structural relation between bodies and technologies. These questions will then be the starting point of an individual trajectory in which the student will be challenged to translate their research into performative sequences.
