The Base

The Base
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated weekly

We discuss Sartre's play 'No Exit' with Nina Power. Nina was our speaker in our December 2023 performance of Sartre's classic play. Nina takes us through some key ideas in existentialist thinking and explores with us what Sartre might have been asserting about the human condition. The Base Creates is a new production company founded by Oliver Bennett and Morgan Watkins. We want to rediscover, explore and reinvigorate great texts in the Western canon to challenge the conformity of the contemporary dramatic arts. In a series of readings, we will bring to life profound texts with responses from new interesting thinkers. Moving forward, we want to inspire new writers, fostering a movement of fearless creatives and exciting intellectuals. We believe drama needs to go deeper and challenge audiences in order to do justice to our fascinating and troubling modern world. The Base Creates will celebrate excellence, depth and vitality. Join us. www.thebasecreates.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/thebasecreates/ https://x.com/thebasecreates

  1. 16 May

    Sex, Freud and La Ronde with Helen Rollins

    We discussed Sex, Sigmund Freud and La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler with Helen Rollins. We wanted to learn about some of the ideas of Sigmund Freud and how they might relate to this work by Schnitzler. Freud believed Schnitzler's play was acutely perceptive on the nature of sex, desire and the human behaviour it causes. We performed La Ronde on April 1st at Swedenborg Hall. We hope you enjoy this conversation and please subscribe, comment and like if you can. Helen is a writer and filmmaker from Northern Ireland, currently based between London and Belfast. Her most recent project is the miniseries Better Angels: The Gospel According to Tammy Faye. She developed the project and was co-writer and executive producer on it, too. The series was produced by Vice Studios, in association with Rocket Entertainment and The Magician’s Niece. It was executive produced by David Furnish and Elton John. The series premiered at Sundance in 2024. Helen lectures and writes across topics related to film and psychoanalysis. She has been a co-host on two philosophy podcasts and has a book on film theory (Psychocinema) with Polity. Her main work, though, is as an independent filmmaker, creating projects through The Magician’s Niece. Her recent film A Guide to Making Love — an experimental philosophy documentary feature — premiered at Rhode Island International Film Festival. Her shorts have played at scores of festivals. Some of them have won awards and have been picked up for broadcast. Music videos she has directed, mostly for Central American artists, have been viewed over a hundred million times online. Her work has been funded by bodies such as Northern Ireland Screen and Future Screens and she has been a Puttnam Scholar. Through The Magician’s Niece, she is developing a range of projects across narrative, documentary and video games. Helen has a double first from Cambridge in modern languages and received a number of academic awards during her time there, including the Bishop Green Cup for top student across all years and subjects in her graduating class at Corpus Christi college. Before making films, she was a French teacher at Eton.

    1hr 5min

  2. 2 May

    The Agon 3 - Guidelines

    We've recorded a small video in which we provide a brief outline and some helpful tips to anyone considering entering into The Agon 3. We’re looking for daring and challenging voices. We do not care who you are and where you are from. Nothing is off limits. Send no more than 10-12 pages from your play and a synopsis to - thebasecreates@gmail.com We give you the right to anonymity, if you so choose and if the spice is too much. If you want to stand and face the vicious public we welcome that too and we will stand right beside you. When the deadline closes we will choose 6 finalists and these play extracts will be performed by incredible actors to a live audience who will vote for the winner that night. This is what happened in Athens 2500 years ago and this is what is happening in London in 2026. So get writing, take your filter off and express yourself. This will be an incredible night and a great opportunity for developing writers. There is a cash prize to be announced very soon and entry is free. The very best, The Base

    12 min

  3. 2 May

    The Story of Project 39

    In this podcast we discuss the story of Project 39. We wanted to share the origins of the idea and some insight into how we made it. Filming all of these was a great challenge on an extremely modest budget. We really appreciate all your support and the comments. Please keep them coming in. If you like our work please consider joining our channel as a member. We will be providing lots of very exciting members only content. We hope you enjoy the series and find the work we're doing enriching. There is much more to come. The Base

    56 min
  4. After Brando - Episode 4 - Laurence Olivier, The English Tradition and The Actor as Technician

    5 Mar

    After Brando - Episode 4 - Laurence Olivier, The English Tradition and The Actor as Technician

    This week on ‘After Brando’ we explore the life and work of Laurence Olivier, The English Tradition and The Actor as Technician. We are joined by the melodious and wise Simon Roberts. Sir Laurence Olivier (1907–1989) was one of the greatest actors of the 20th century and a towering figure of British theatre and film. Renowned for his Shakespearean performances, he played iconic roles such as Hamlet, Henry V, Othello, and Richard III on stage and screen. His celebrated films include Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948), Richard III (1955), Rebecca (1940), and Marathon Man (1976). As the founding director of the National Theatre, Olivier helped shape modern British theatre and left an enduring legacy in the art of performance.

    1hr 26min
  5. The Origins of Ancient Greek Theatre with Elena Novello

    18 Feb

    The Origins of Ancient Greek Theatre with Elena Novello

    In this episode we discuss The Origins of Ancient Greek Theatre with Elena Novello. We have been reading through the Greek plays every Monday evening at 9pm and Elena has been hosting brilliant discussions with us all. We think she is brilliant and wanted to find out more from her about where this all began. Please subscribe, like and comment if you can. It really helps more people see the video. We hope this is a great resource to those interested in studying or acting in the incredible plays of Ancient Greece. This conversation delves into the origins, significance, and evolution of Greek theatre, exploring its connection to ancient storytelling, religious festivals, and the political landscape of Athenian society. The discussion highlights the architectural marvels of Greek theatres, the aesthetics of performances, and the crucial role of playwrights and the chorus in shaping the theatrical experience. It also touches on the complexities of morality as depicted in Greek plays and sets the stage for future discussions on specific playwrights and their works. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Greek Theatre 02:55 The Origins of Greek Theatre 05:43 The Role of Festivals in Greek Theatre 08:30 The Evolution of Storytelling and Performance 11:48 The Connection Between Theatre and Religion 14:35 The Etymology of Tragedy 17:25 The Nature of Greek Gods and Morality 20:36 The Influence of Greek Theatre on Western Culture 23:28 The Complexity of Greek Society and Theatre 26:44 The Significance of Rituals in Greek Festivals 29:37 The Legacy of Greek Theatre 44:08 The Evolution of Amphitheatres 47:28 The Role of Theatre in Athenian Society 51:17 The Political Significance of Theatre 55:38 The Aesthetics of Ancient Greek Theatre 58:57 The Role of Playwrights and Performance 01:19:45 Recap and Future Discussions

    1hr 9min
  6. After Brando - Episode 3 - De Niro Vs Pacino & Gangsters

    12 Feb

    After Brando - Episode 3 - De Niro Vs Pacino & Gangsters

    In Episode 3 we discuss the careers and styles of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. We consider their training, approaches to acting and how actors playing gangsters defined the dramatic culture for years to come. We discuss their early life, training, film work and their approach to acting. We explore Method acting and what it actually means and then we consider the connection between Gangsters and acting. Please subscribe, like and comment if you can. We really appreciate all the feedback, thoughts and ideas. Check out our work at - www.thebasecreates.co.uk

    1hr 18min
  7. After Brando - Episode 2 - Ricky Gervais

    31 Jan

    After Brando - Episode 2 - Ricky Gervais

    In the second episode of our series, After Brando, we explore the work and impact of Ricky Gervais. The Office first aired in 2001 and has influenced acting, comedy and culture at large over the last 20 years. It is hard to understate how big of an impact Ricky Gervais had on us all. We consider the legacy of Ricky Gervais on performance style and how his stand up comedy influenced humour right up to this day. Please check out our website at - www.thebasecreates.co.uk And consider following our show and leaving us a review. Many thanks, The Base

    51 min
  8. After Brando - Episode 1 - Marlon Brando & Stella Adler

    18 Jan

    After Brando - Episode 1 - Marlon Brando & Stella Adler

    This is the first episode of a new series, After Brando. We will be exploring actors/actresses throughout different eras and how their style and training impacted the dramatic world and culture at large. We start this series off with the man himself, Marlon Brando and his teacher, Stella Adler. Please let us know who your favourite actors are and why. We'd also be keen to hear about different practitioners and how they've influence your thinking. In the first 30 minutes we will provide a rough outline of Brando's life and career, please skip this if you'd like to get straight to the discussion. Please follow our work wherever you can and remember to subscribe, like and comment if you want to support our work. The very best, The Base

    1hr 11min
See All (37)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We discuss Sartre's play 'No Exit' with Nina Power. Nina was our speaker in our December 2023 performance of Sartre's classic play. Nina takes us through some key ideas in existentialist thinking and explores with us what Sartre might have been asserting about the human condition. The Base Creates is a new production company founded by Oliver Bennett and Morgan Watkins. We want to rediscover, explore and reinvigorate great texts in the Western canon to challenge the conformity of the contemporary dramatic arts. In a series of readings, we will bring to life profound texts with responses from new interesting thinkers. Moving forward, we want to inspire new writers, fostering a movement of fearless creatives and exciting intellectuals. We believe drama needs to go deeper and challenge audiences in order to do justice to our fascinating and troubling modern world. The Base Creates will celebrate excellence, depth and vitality. Join us. www.thebasecreates.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/thebasecreates/ https://x.com/thebasecreates

Information

  • Creator
    The Base
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Base

You Might Also Like