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Dr Talavera at London studio |
OYO’s director Philippe Talavera has been invited by the Royal National Theatre in London for a two-weeks residency from 05 to 17 October.
It was a great opportunity for Philippe to interact with various professionals and see lots of good work. Among others, he met with Melly Still, acclaimed director, currently rehearsing a new production for the National Theatre called ‘Nation’, and attend one of the rehearsals. He also met with Nathan Curry, young director who was very enthusiastic about sharing some of his work and vision.
Productions seen include:
Theatre: the Black Album, Mother Courage (including a talk with Fiona Shaw and Deborah Warner), The Class, Warhorse and The Power of Yes (all at the National Theatre) – interestingly most productions include elements other than pure theatre: songs (mother courage, the class, warhorse), video backdrops (mother courage, warhorse) and even few dance steps (warhorse). ‘Since I am extremely interested in combining those elements but felt it was often left to musicals only, I was pleased to see this tendency’, says Philippe
Musicals: Les Miserables (Queens Theatre) and Annie get your gun (young Vic)
Dance: in the spirit of Diaghilev (Sadler’s Wells), Trapped (Leeds) and an integrated piece with dancers with disabilities
Finally it was a chance to meet with various organisations working with theatre, dance and music as well as potential partners. ‘It was a great experience. It reminded me why I love theatre in the first place. It’s magic going to the theatre, taking your seat and watching a great piece of work. For two or three hours, you are transported somewhere else. After the play, you reflect on what you’ve seen and you know that some images will stay with you for the rest of your live. It inspired me to continue the work we are doing at OYO and try and change people’s behaviours through the use of this great medium.’
Philippe Talavera wishes to thank Purni Morell, Head of Studio, National Theatre, for inviting him, Sarah Nicholson and Matthew Poxon for their generosity and support and all the people who made time to meet with him during his trip.
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