Podcasts on Process - podcasts on process Kirsten Marie Walsh

In this episode, we’ll reflect back on what we’ve heard so far. Are these tools for artists, makers and performers only? How are cultural institutions putting these techniques into practice? What about young emerging professionals? These are only four of the many tools in Lerman’s practice. How might they find a way into what you do?

How can feedback be structured? Is critique a form of research? The Critical Response Process (CRP), developed by Lerman, is a technique for eliciting critique on anything “from dance to dessert”. Together, with the help of several CRP facilitators, we’ll break down the process, and then consider additional modes of providing feedback.

In performance, documentation is vital. Videos, photographs, music, even props and costumes, are all records of the time-based work. These mediums are also a tool for making, and are essential to the creative process. In this episode we’ll consider how artists, museums and organizations are utilizing documentation as an archive, tool and final product.

In her book Hiking the Horizontal, Lerman emphatically states, “I am interested in… performers who look like people dancing, not dancers dancing.” Lerman has challenged the assumption that only professionals can create beautiful dances with active research, listening, storytelling. In this episode we’ll hear from Healing Wars cast member and Navy Veteran Paul Hurley, and from other choreographers partnering with non-traditional performers.

How can a group of collaborators practice as individuals, create as a group, and answer to a director simultaneously? Liz Lerman actively describes herself as “agitator, instigator, and synthesizer”, and her work is fostered by a philosophy rooted in collaboration. This episode explores how Lerman’s work develops with a multi-disciplinary team, and examines other possible modes of collaboration.

Liz Lerman is a choreographer, performer, writer, and educator. We take a glance at her acclaimed career to better understand her working methods.