The Desire for Immortality: An Artistic Exploration of the Fear of Life's Transience
Facilitated by Theatremaker: Pascal Buyse
July 22nd - 25th & July 29th - August 2nd
During this artistic research workshop and performance project, we delve deep into the quest for immortality, drawing inspiration from the epic adventures of Gilgamesh, while seeking parallels with modern-day life and today’s connection with nature.
Join queer theater director from BRONKS Theater in Brussels, Pascal Buyse for a two week immersion. The first week (July 22 – 25) will be devoted to research and development, exploring themes and creating material. The second week (July 29 – August 1) will be a rehearsal intensive crafting the research into a performance and performing for the public on August 1st.
Throughout the work, we warmly invite you to participate in discussions, brainstorming, and creative sessions where everyone is encouraged to openly and respectfully share their ideas. We will look to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of humanity’s oldest tales, the mortal hero Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for identity following the demise of his friend (lover) Enkidu. His journey takes him through uncharted realms, offering contemplation on the fleeting nature of life. This timeless theme of humanity’s yearning to transcend death reverberates through the ages.
At the heart of this artistic research, we explore leveraging the power and beauty of nature to craft sensory performances for an audience. How can we, through theater performances in nature, craft profound experiences that reignite our connection with the natural world in the face of mortality? How can we develop new narratives that lead an audience in a world where all life forms harmoniously coexist?
The aim of the workshop is to create an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between immortality and conservation, culminating in a transformative sensory theater experience for participants and audiences in The Gardens of Wildheart.
Enroll now for this unique research and performance project and become part of a transformative experience in the forests, lakes, and gardens of Wildheart!
Participants can come for either week or come for both weeks. Our preference is that participants attend both workshops if possible.
Who is it for?
- This workshop is open to experienced and inexperienced performers, 18+ y.o.
- Theatricality, transformation, gender expression and queerness are themes interwoven into the methodology and in the creative process.
- Participants will be invited to explore epic stories, movement patterns, temporal and spatial choices in relation to nature. With the artistic goal to translate their personal discoveries into an interactive, sensitive performance.
What can you expect?
- The participants will be challenged to collaborate, improvise, experiment, and create a new theater production.
- The methodology focuses on guided visualizations and integrating sensory experiences (touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste) into a theatrical outdoors performance. This with attention to subtlety and nuance, and an artistic exploration that connects dance, theater, and visual art. Through fiction, layered narrative levels, and generous improvisation, we explore dance and performance in nature as a soothing mechanism. This involves studying narratives, movement patterns, temporal and spatial choices in relationship with nature.
- We will ask questions about what moves us on a physical and conceptual level. What do we gravitate towards? What do we need to let go of? What do we want to invite?
- We will explore queer performance strategies of transformation, change, and yielding to discover new and unexpected pathways together.
- We will explore the borders and investigate between knowing and not knowing, abstraction and intention, images and action. By meeting each other through touch, shared fictions, and energetic exchanges, the aim is to playfully embrace risk and discover the bliss of vulnerability.
- In this devising intensives, it is a requirement that discussion, brainstorming, and creative sessions proceed when everyone has the opportunity to openly and respectfully share their ideas. Creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued is paramount.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to participate in the workshop?
No, even if you have no experience with theater, dance, and performance, you can still participate.
Can I, as an experienced professional performer/dancer, participate in the workshop?
Yes, with your professional experience, you can participate and contribute to the theater production.
Is the workshop exclusively for Queer individuals?
No, everyone can participate in the workshop. However, Queerness and queer eco-activism are topics that will be addressed during the workshop.
Will I have to touch other participants, and will the audience have to touch me?
Mutual consent is of utmost importance. Each participant sets their own boundaries and decides what they want to share with others and the audience. Unwanted touching, unwelcome physical contact, and inappropriate comments will not be tolerated. There is a strict policy regarding mutual consent.
Monday July 22st – Thursday 25th 2024 (4 days)
DAY 1 // Monday 22st July – Location: Wildheart large studio
Arrivals on between 2-4pm,
Evening: Introduction to the artistic practice of artist Pascal Buyse and making connections to your own artistic practice or experiences/stories.
DAY 2 // Tuesday 23th July – Location: Wildheart large studio
Morning: Introduction and overview of the theme of immortality in the context of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Exploration of the Epic of Gilgamesh: analysis of themes, characters, and symbolism.
Afternoon: Group discussion and brainstorming sessions to share personal reflections and ideas.
DAY 3// Wednesday 24th July – Location: Wildheart large studio + Gardens of Wildheart
Morning: Practical sessions where participants develop their own performances in nature, embodying the connection between immortality and nature, focused on translating these themes into a performative transformative experience in nature.
Afternoon: The participants will be challenged to collaborate, improvise, experiment, and create a new theater production.
Evening: Testing the performance after sunset with a few residents of Wildheart as the audience.
DAY 4// Thursday 25th July – location: Small studio Wildheart
Morning: Individual coaching and group feedback sessions to strengthen artistic visions and share our experiences, thoughts and feelings.
Afternoon: Departures on final day between 2-4pm after lunch clean)
Monday, July 29th – Friday, August 2nd 2024 ( 5 days)
DAY 1 // Monday 29th July – Location: Wildheart large studio
Afternoon: Arrivals on between 2-4pm,
Late Afternoon: Review of the conclusions and results from the first session and try-out performance. Recap agreements, methodology on how we create, brainstorm, discuss together, rehearse, and give feedback. How can we create together and respect each other’s boundaries? In what way do you prefer to receive feedback?
Evening: Group discussion and brainstorming sessions to share personal reflections and ideas.
DAY 2 // Tuesday 30th July – Location: Gardens of Wildheart
Morning: Practical sessions where participants develop or refine their own performances in nature, embodying the connection between immortality and nature.
Afternoon: First try-out and technical refinement of the performance in nature.
Evening: Refinement of performance pieces in nature, with individual and group feedback sessions to strengthen artistic visions.
DAY 3 // Wednesday 31st July – Location: Gardens of Wildheart
Morning: Further polishing and technical refinement of the performance.
Afternoon: (Technical) preparations & rehearsals during day-light for the try-out in the after sunset.
Evening: Dress rehearsal for residents of Wildheart.
DAY 4 // Thursday 1st August – Location: Gardens of Wildheart
Morning: Finalizing and preparing for the first public performance.
Afternoon: Finalizing and preparing for the first public performance.
Evening: First public performance in the natural setting of ‘WildHeart’, followed by a discussion with the audience about the conveyed themes. Creating & documenting photo/video reports.
DAY 5 // Friday August 2th – Location: Gardens of Wildheart
Morning: Evaluation of the first performance, clean up props,costumes.
Afternoon: Departures on final day between 2-4pm after lunch clean
About Pascal Buyse
Pascal Buyse is a Belgian theater artist who identifies as queer and works at BRONKS in Brussels dedicated to young audiences. BRONKS is renowned for its productions collaborations with theater groups, educational initiatives and diverse events tailored for different audiences.
With a belief in the importance of creativity and inclusivity, Pascal views theater as a platform for conversations and self expression. By engaging with children, teenagers and adults in Brussels he encourages them to share their stories and make their voices heard. Beyond the stage he advocates for LGBTQ+ rights using art to promote equality and diversity.
Through experimental approaches to physical theater Pascal challenges traditional forms of communication by focusing on body language and visual impact. His work blends dance, theater and social issues while addressing emotions and social justice themes. His performances tackle problems through compelling theatrical experiences.
Buyse’s creative process often delves into identity struggles, assimilation dilemmas and the essence of individuality—prompting his audience to reflect on our society. He has an understanding of what young people and adults require, offering an motivating environment where their voices are valued and their narratives cherished.He is more than just a theater maker; he is a mentor, an activist, and a source of inspiration for the next generation.
Retreat Location
WildHeart is located on 46+ beautiful acres in the Hudson Valley. Retreatants will have the option to stay in a single room, double room, dorm, or camping in either our main retreat center or in private two-bedroom cabins. All options have access to shared kitchens and bathrooms. Daily events will take place in the studio, shared common spaces, and outdoors. Retreatants are welcome to enjoy the lawns, walk in the forest, and swim and boat in the lake during their stay! More info about directions and transportation options HERE.
A Note on Food
We are able to accommodate most diets. We serve meat and dairy daily, and always have vegan and gluten-free options available. If you send us your dietary preferences in advance, we will do our best to make sure there is good food for you at each meal! All living accommodations have access to a full kitchen (separate from the main/commercial kitchen). We will provide breakfast groceries for you to prepare and eat on your own. Lunches and dinners are communal shared meals. Drinks include: coffee and tea, dairy and non-dairy milk, lemon and lime juice for water, red and white wine.
Cost & Registration
WildHeart is body-positive anti-racist queer magic.
By offering a variety of housing options, and two free BIPOC spots, we hope to make this retreat financially accessible to all! Beyond that, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need financial assistance to attend: contact@wildheartcenter.art
Program Fee
Sliding Scale $50-$500 per week (double if you attend for both weeks), includes all artistic offerings:
- Actor coaching
- Physical theater exercises
- Collaborative writing prompts
- Costume + Set design
- Access to WildHeart’s 45+ acres of forest, field, lake and streams.
Housing And Food Costs
Housing + food costs depend on which housing option you choose.
- Single-occupancy (private) room : $110 / night
- Double-occupancy room (shared with one other person): $70 / night
Dorm/ Camping: $40 / night - Commute (food-only): $25 / day
- To learn more about WildHeart’s accommodations please visit our accommodations page.
BIPOC spots
We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx. Please email contact@wildheartcenter.art to get the registration code for one of these spots.
Refund policy
In advance of 2 weeks – full refund (less processing fee)
Within 2 weeks – no refund
Illness policy
To protect the group, please don’t come if you have any symptoms of illness or had contact in the last 3 days with anyone who has COVID.