Led by Sasha Denisova and Yury Urnov
THEATER OF IMMEDIATE RESPONSE is a new term, which comes from Ukranian playwright Sasha Denisova’s unique writing style. Denisova’s work draws from actual texts, speeches, and events, but is not documentary theater; it has fantastical elements, but it is hard to call her plays fantasies. What makes her style unique is Sasha’s ability to respond within months to large political events in a dramatic form.
MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION, the Wilma’s second production of the season, is a great example of this approach. It’s based on Sasha’s correspondence with her mother, who decided to stay in Kyiv after Russia attacked Ukraine in February of 2022. And though documents from real life are at the heart of this piece, there are many elements in it that go far beyond documentary.
In this workshop, we will study Sasha Denisova’s writing method and techniques. Participants will be offered an opportunity to practice combining their personal experiences with larger socio-political events in their writing. We will also explore directing approaches responding to the scenic challenges of such writing, with invaluable support from members of the HotHouse company, serving as actors in the staging of the material you write in the workshop.
Participants must apply for this workshop. If accepted, each participant will receive a $400 stipend. The Wilma Theater is excited to offer this workshop to seven participants.
Application Due Date: Friday, December 22
Workshop Dates/Times: January 18-19, 2-6 p.m.January 20-22, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Location: The Wilma Studio, located in the Wilma Theater (265 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
With additional questions, please reach out to Adult Education Coordinator Kristina Neal, kneal@wilmatheater.org.
