Dramaturgs &: In conversation with Choreographers

The second of this year’s series is DRAMATURGS & CHOREOGRAPHERS, where we explore the working relationships between these two roles. When and how do choreographers invite a dramaturg into the choreographic process? What tensions arise between the choreographer’s creative autonomy and the dramaturg’s perspectives and insights? How might a dramaturg help the choreographer sustain and nurture (or nourish?) their practice over the long term? Join us to unpack these questions (and more) in a conversation facilitated by Dr Nidya Shanthini Manokara, and hear from a panel of local and international dance-makers Dapheny Chen, Ricky Sim and Guy Cools.

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DRAMATURGS & is a new capsule series of roundtable conversations centering the work of and relationship between dramaturgs and their artistic collaborators. Dramaturgical thinking and application is integral in the work of all artists, yet a dramaturg’s role affords a dedicated lens that can expand and challenge artistic decisions. In cosy and candid sessions, we aim to unpack the relational, intricate and often invisible work of dramaturgs in creative processes and within artistic teams.

[NOTE: A recommended donation amount of $10 is encouraged to support the conduct of this roundtable conversation. However, if you are unable to make a donation, please write to [email protected] to register for this event. Please note that donations are non-refundable. ]

BIOGRAPHIES

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DR NIDYA SHANTHINI MANOKARA is a dance and theatre practitioner-researcher, educator, performer and dramaturg. Classically trained in bharatanatyam, she received her PhD in Theatre Studies from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2014. In her doctoral thesis, she draws on her classical bharatanatyam training to explore affective registers of ‘love’ in modern iterations of the practice. In her collaborative performance-as-research projects, Dr Shanthini often pries at the intersection of movement, dance and theatre to critically analyse performance-making. She has also presented papers on her works at multiple international conferences with a number of publications to her name.

Prior to joining LASALLE in a full-time position in 2023, Dr Shanthini had been a part-time lecturer. She has also taught a range of film, theatre and performance courses at NUS and NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. She has served as an external assessor with the National Arts Council and is currently the resident dramaturg with contemporary dance company, RAW Moves.

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DAPHENY CHEN is an independent dance artist who negotiates between the roles of a choreographer, performer and educator. She holds an MA in Arts and Cultural Leadership. She is concerned about the provocations, connections and criticality that arise from making and viewing dance. Breaking away from her conventional dance training, she examines socio-political ideologies to navigate the possibilities of contemporary dance, while seeking to create alternative nodes of experience and entry points as conversations for change and knowledge. Her practice embraces the multiple facets of choreography and dance that changes with time and state, breaking down previous definitions of the form to reform new experiences.

Dapheny has danced with Ah Hock and Peng Yu (2004), L.A. Dance Connection (2003-2008), Frontier Danceland (2010-2011) and Re:Dance Theatre (2012-2015). She is focused on the sustainability of dance artists and their related work and labour practices.

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RICKY SIM, a prominent figure in the contemporary dance circles, brings a delightful mix of artistic finesse and curious exploration to his role as Founder and Artistic Director of RAW Moves. With over three decades of experience, Ricky's journey in dance is marked by a deep dive into movement and its cultural significance. While his formal training spans classical ballet, contemporary dance, somatic practices, and visual design, Ricky's choreography bears the imprint of various influences, subtly woven into the fabric of his creative expression. This transdisciplinary approach infuses his work with a rich understanding of human culture and societal dynamics, breaking free from conventional boundaries. At the core of Ricky's artistic ethos lies his passion for transcendental aesthetics, a principle that blurs the lines between art and philosophy. Through his movement-centric approach, he delves into the emotional and conceptual realms of dance, inviting audiences to ponder the beauty and meaning intricately threaded into everyday life.

Beyond his creative endeavours, Ricky actively engages in international forums and institutions as a speaker and guest lecturer. At these occasions, he shares insights into the integration of dance forms and research methodologies. His dedication to propelling contemporary dance forward and fostering dialogue within the creative industry underscores his leadership in the field.

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GUY COOLS is an international acclaimed Belgian dance dramaturg, curator and scholar. He curated from 1990 till 2002, the dance program of Arts Centre Vooruit in Ghent as well as festivals and conferences in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Montréal, Tilburg and Venice. As a dramaturg, he worked amongst others Koen Augustijnen (BE), Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (BE), Danièle Desnoyers (CAN), Lia Haraki (CYP), Akram Khan (UK) and Arno Schuitemaker (NL).

He has been mentoring the Biennale Dance College in Venice and the Atlas program of Impulstanz in Vienna. He taught at the University of Ottawa, the University of Ghent and the Fontys School of Fine And Performing Arts in Tilburg. He is currently full-time professor at the dance department of UQAM In Montréal.

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