‘Yes, and’ and ‘No, although’; inviting dissent and difference towards agency as part of multi-representative practice in actor training

Blackstone, Dana (2024) ‘Yes, and’ and ‘No, although’; inviting dissent and difference towards agency as part of multi-representative practice in actor training. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 15 (2). pp. 1-15. ISSN 1944-3919

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Abstract

UK based actor trainings often emphasise the acceptance of offers from others, ensconced in the common facilitation of ‘yes, and’. Additionally, there is frequently an assumption that trainings will be unquestioningly consumed by students and will benefit their work as performers. But are these assumptions ethical, beneficial, and correct? What happens when actors are invited to dissent to trainings? I argue that the assumption of consent is not always ethical, and that setting up a structure that invites dissent and difference allows for a return to agency in training. As such, this writing seeks to offer ethos of and practices for inviting dissent, difference and consent in actor training towards the recognition of narrative agency. I will analyse the use of these practices in a case study to demonstrate the use and impact of inviting dissent and difference. These practices are ensconced in the addition of the phrase; ‘no, although’ with ‘yes, and’. ‘No, although’ is the recusal from one thing in lieu of a self-made suggestion. This invites dissent and choice, maintaining both participation and autonomy. Students self-define their roles in the making of work, and make sense of ways to participate, enabling them agency in work together towards a common creative goal. In this is a broader need to dissolve structures of power that may present in the room, which helps invite the freedom to dissent and self-differentiate. As such, I will articulate intersectional feminist practices for community as a framework within which the invitation to dissent and self-differentiate are more easily received.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	agency, dissent, self-differentiation, ensemble, multi-representation
Depositing User:	Research Bruford
Date Deposited:	31 Oct 2024 16:10
Last Modified:	31 Oct 2024 16:10
URI:	https://bruford.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/67

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