We are excited about this weekend’s intensive workshop.
The studio aims not only to teach intimacy practices such as Shibari but also to explore the artistic expression that emerges when these practices become art.
Performance Study is Massimo’s direct and effective proposal for those interested in learning how to create impactful performances for different levels of experience and ideas.
Join us!
Pauline Massimo (they/them)
Interdisciplinary artist and teacher from the Amazon region, Brazil, who founded Espacio Nos, Learn Shibari, and other varied projects.
With over 13 years of professional experience in the field of art, from painting, dance, performance, photography, and Shibari to event curation, space management, education, community building, and artistic direction in recent years.
Pauline has extensive experience working with many styles of performance and educational methodologies applied to Shibari for clients ranging from international festivals, art galleries, macro-parties, variety cabarets, small intimate spaces, individuals, self-organisation, etc., from which she has developed her own style after much experience and research in these fields.
With an extensive and prestigious career providing education and performances internationally, including but not limited to: Opera Garnier, Salle Pleyel, Place des Cordes, Auberhaus in Paris; Karada House, EURIX, German Fetish Ball, in Berlin; Espacio Nos, audiovisual production with Shakira, Hans & Fritz Contemporary, in Barcelona, Spain; Uma Obscura in Umeå, Sweden; Anatomie Studio, Bound, Torture Garden, in London; Prague Shibari Festival; Torture Garden in Zurich, Shibari Camp in Sweden, Wasteland Party, Ellipsis in the Netherlands; Estudio Jorogumo and Granada Semillero de arte in Mexico City; Kintsugi Rope Collective in Costa Rica, AEFEST in Medellín, Colombia; Velours Noir in Martinique; Pauline has also travelled throughout Spain to present their performances and workshops, to Istanbul, Turkey, as well as several tours to different cities in Brazil, and various online events such as the Queerope festival organised by Karada House and VoxBody in Oakland.
Programme
Idea to Research: The idea is the first step into creating a performance or any project. We will discuss how ideas occur and how to catch them effectively, understanding its true meaning to enter the research step to deepen our performance foundation. Understanding better those two phases will lay a strong ground for an impactful final piece.
Methodology: Every artist has a different approach to their projects. We aim to analyse different types of methodologies in order to choose the most favourable ones that work for each one of us, including how we can collaborate with others in our projects, which is common and fundamental for successful pieces.
References: Having clear and matured references for our works will give a sustainable body of works over the years on each project. Understanding that there is nothing new, how wecan become more creative and original without inventing the wheel but going deeper into our references and motivations for a genuine and authentic piece.
Craft study: Analysing the intentions of our ideas, the direction we want to push forward for our performative projects will lead us towards an effective study of our own crafts. A constant learning with purpose and finding enrichment in our education and knowledge that can bring stability on the project walls.
Technicalities: To create a performance there is an enormous amount of technicalities that happens in many spaces and working environments, being prepared and having an idea how many of those system works, we can approach each project with efficiency, professionalism, as well with a strong work ethic that benefits our projects and ideas to come true. We will also discuss the professional aspects of entering the work environment ofperformance art as artists.
Practice: Without hands-on practice, we will not be able to materialise our ideas and grow them, leaving them as purely ideas floating in minds and papers that don't come to action. One of the most important aspects of this workshop is to give the participants the opportunity to explore their abilities and space for experimentation using the knowledge and tools shared along the workshop.
While during the workshop Pauline will go over those topics, it’s important to understand the organic flow that needs to be allowed during the programme being presented, instead of pushing a strict narrative and ticking boxes. Pauline rather approaches this workshop proposition with flexibility and work with both the group dynamic as well as each individual having their own needs and curiosities to work with.
There will be a good amount of topics being presented theoretically and in the discussion base, but there will also be plenty of hands-on exercises to give participants a realistic sense of how we can take the theory into a practical reality, so then be able to take it into the “stage”.
This will be an active workshop, where Pauline proposes the participants to present a performance as a final project. Participants will have the opportunity to present their final
project performance in two ways:
1- They can choose to perform only for the other workshop participants at the end of the workshop.
2- Participants can be part of an organised separated event happening on Sunday evening after the end of the workshop (with a break in between). In which they can showcase their skills and ideas to a wider public.
The option 2 is not mandatory, but option 1 is mandatory. Participants can choose doing both options but is recommended to choose only one for a better development of the whole programme.
Pauline advises participants to not attempt coming up with a fixed performance idea and try to impose it on the final presentation project. But instead, come with flexibility and open minded to adapt to the circumstances and Pauline’s guidance over the weekend.
The teacher will be in charge of giving tips and guidance for the participants who choose their performance presentation modality, and they will structure both the option 1 and 2 depending on the participants ideas, skills and overall balance to create a memorable experience for all. Of which, participants are invited to attempt to leave behind close minded, rigid structure and mindset, excessive shyness and excessive fear.
It’s understandable that stage shyness and fear are normal and we will be working in different strategies to overcome and work around and with those sentiments and possibilities to make the best of our experiences.
This offer is aimed at all people with or without experience in any type of performance art. It will also be suitable for participants who have no experience with Shibari or other practices but are interested in learning about Pauline's methodology in the field of art. This is not strictly a Shibari workshop or Shibari focused, but a multi-talented and muilti-interested artistic approach.
Shibari enthusiasts are more than welcome as well as other artists and wannabe artists/creatives of any type of backgrounds.
What to bring?
Regardless of what practice you use for performance or your interest, it’s important that you bring any and all materials that you feel necessary to practice and use in this workshop related to the performance style and type you want.
Examples: For Shibari artists; ropes, suspension equipment if needed, safety equipment, etc.; For Circus artists; aerial or circus equipment, safety equipment, etc.; For clowns; Clown materials and clothes, etc.; For dancers; clothing and props you might need for dance, etc.
Come with an open mind, it might happen that you change your mind, or maybe you get inspired towards a new and different direction, you might come with the idea to do it solo and end up forming a group, etc. All is consensual and discussed with openness and caution.
Pauline offers spaces and moments during the workshop for exploration and experimentation that one might be scared and insecure about, they push students to be more daring and create from the heart, but with no intention to impose, force or coercion.
Participants are free to not participate in exercises that they are not comfortable with, as well ask for adaptations that fits their needs better.
You are asked to come prepared and willing to participate. Some past participants came with photographs, movies, books, flowers, magazines, masks, multiple costumes, atrezzo, objects of inspiration to work with, blankets, teddy bears, etc.
You are welcome to bring what you feel fitting, understanding you might use them or not, but it will be great to have them at hand, no need to overpack and overload with stuff. The most important thing is to have some basic things and bring yourself fully, consciously and excited. Ideas and inspirations will come along the way.
It’s highly recommendable to bring materials to note and build your study during the workshop. Paper note pads are usually necessary as well. You can bring a tablet or laptop, or use your phone. Self recording will be minimal and occasional with clear instructions.
This will be a deep study, research and for self development workshop, not a content creation event. Pauline will ask for permission for filming and photographing students while practising for personal use and development post workshop.
Requirements:
No specific requirements. Minimum knowledge and practice with the practice the participant wants to integrate on their performance, either theatre, Shibari, dance, circus, etc.
It is important that participants understand the limitations of their levels and apply the new knowledge learned as well as the exercises suggested at their level, under Pauline's recommendations and suggestions for each case.
Important
Iridescent Studio is a queer organisation and in our events we do not tolerate racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia or transphobia.
During the entire workshop we do not allow the use of any mobile or electronic devices to record the content of the workshops.
You are allowed to take pictures of your partner as long as none of the participants or teachers are in your pictures.
No solo participants, please reach us your partner can not make it last minute in order to reschedule.
Times
Doors open half an hour before the event starts: 10:30
We will close the door of the studio 5 minutes before the event starts, so please make sure you are there, at least 10 minutes before.
To respect the flow of the event we do not allow late entry after the door is closed, even if you message us via social media or email.
Tickets
Price per couple:
Early bird tickets 380€
Regular tickets 450€
Location
The studio is located in Amsterdam west, Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat 1.
You can get here by bike, or from Central Station by Tram 13, the stop is Adm. Helfrichstraat.
If you decide to drive to us, here is a link for a parking space just besides the studio.
In our experience the Mobypark platform gives better rates and has several options in the neighbourhood.
Language:
All our workshops and events are taught/guided in English.
Questions?
We understand that this kind of event can be a bit overwhelming for some, and we are more than willing to help you if you need any support to make your workshop experience nicer. Please do not hesitate to mail us if you have any physical limitations, mental health issues or special wishes.
Or if you have any other questions regarding this event, do not hesitate to drop us an e-mail, we are more than glad to help!