RESEARCH PERIOD

Brian Webb is excited to announce that the BWDC is well into the research period of its new creation, LABYRINTH!

Over the last while, Brian, Gary James Joynes [with whom we collaborated on the creations of Broken Sound2 and The Liminal] and visual artist Brad Necyk, have been conceptualizing this new work. Brad has established himself as a most imaginative artist working within the realms of virtuality.

OK! There’s been more than conceptualizing going on! Brad and Gary have been working non-stop on a sequence of virtual reality films that are anchoring our research. They are amazing!

Just after most thankfully receiving a research grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, Brian received an email from Edmonton based playwright and dramaturge, Beth Graham. She wanted to know if the BWDC was working on a project where her expertise as a dramaturge could be of value. The two of them have been pouring over writings ranging from ancient Hebrew philosophies on the abyss to ever evolving concepts of black holes. Beth’s offering of her most articulate encouragement and provocations are most inspiring.

The theme of Labyrinth is centred around our concept of finite time [conception through to death] and the inconceivability of eternity. As we work through our process this theme is sure to evolve.

We are intrigued by the medical construction of the labyrinth embedded into the floor of Chartres Cathedral. To walk a labyrinth is to embark on a meditative journey toward and away from centre, provoking spiritual resilience.

In our performance research, we are going to explore this possibility. It will be an adventure latter in the fall before Christmas when we will spend a couple of weeks working with Labyrinth’s performance ensemble.

Joining our team are:

Lin Snelling…improvisational master who was a member of the legendary Carbon 14

Mike Kennard…legendary founder and performer of the clown duo Mump and Smoot.

Deepak Paramashivan…world famous musician and singer of the sarangi and a Karnatika style of chanting and song.

Along with Brian, this quartet will explore performance scores being devised by him and Beth.

This is a research period in which concepts may be introduced, accepted or thrown out.

It is a time of serious play and adventure.

Video by Blue Toque Productions