Lecture Exploring Presence / Workshop An Incursion into a Rimini Protokoll Methodology

Von Daniel Wetzel

Bucharest, UNATC National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” 
29. – 30.09.2024

WORKSHOP

Is there a consistent “Rimini Protokoll Method”? Not quite—but this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore a series of exercises that reflect key elements of Rimini Protokoll’s approach over the past 24 years. Participants will experience:

The audience as an active element in performance.

The exploration of urban spaces through a theatrical lens. 

The performative exploration of the diverse group of people present.

The challenge of building performances around someone else’s knowledge and experiences.

This workshop is a hands-on journey into how Rimini Protokoll continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional theater, inviting participants to engage with innovative forms of storytelling and performance.

 

Lecture

Exploring Presence: Works of Rimini Protokoll, Past and Present

What does it imply to be an audience? What potential does this role have in unexpected settings like a courtroom, a parliament, or a shareholders' meeting? How can the exploration of urban spaces through a theatrical lens bring about new experiences? What happens when 100 inhabitants of a city, representing a statistical cross-section of its population, step onto the stage, like in Rimini Protokoll’s *100% City* projects, which have taken place in more than 40 cities across 5 continents and demonstrate how a city can be embodied through its people? And how can people who cannot physically enter the stage in one of their "expert theater" pieces still be present in a way that goes beyond a mere recorded voice or image?

In this 45-minute lecture, Daniel Wetzel delves into these questions, drawing from Rimini Protokoll’s groundbreaking work over the past 24 years. The lecture will also build on insights and experiences from the 5-hour workshop held the day before, placing them in the broader context of Rimini Protokoll's extensive body of work.

 

All testimonials by participants:

 

It was relevant in the way that I discovered new ways of approach on theatre techniques and ways of working with non actors.

 

Yes, the workshop was relevant to me, because through David Wetzel’s approach on
theater I was reminded of the the power theater holds, when it comes to its ability to present, to represent, to communicate different experiences to people who may have never encountered such subjects as those presented if it weren’t for theater as the medium.

 

The workshop promotes a type of theatre that aims to include all the memebers of the community you are part of and I believe that definetely makes an impact on the way an individual perceives their own contribution and possibility to contribute.

 

The projects that were presented were fascinating for me due to the fact that they all implied the same characteristics such as: working with non-actors (beautifully called „experts of their own kind”), exploring solidarity and identity in theatre. The practical exercises were a huge surprise. They really had a very pleasant impact on my perspective over theatre, because the „how to do it” part was left aside, focusing on observing, experimenting, forgetting for a little while about mistakes.

 

 

I found it very insightful, I think the very hands-on examples of the shows and the
method,were very evokative. Also, Daniel did debriefings with us after every exercise or asked
for our opinion after he presented one of his shows/performances.

 

I think it was an interesting experience, because we got to get in touch with someone that has a different approach on theater than what I'm used to.

 

For me, participating in the workshop was relevant because I discovered new ways to work and bring non-actors, ordinary people into a community theater.

 

Yes, for me this workshop represented the first contact with what documentary theater means and I was happy, especially, because I realized how close it is to the nature of people, to the way they relate to the world and I think it is a method necessary through which people can become more sensitive, more empathetic and more beautiful.

 

I believe the workshop was very relevant for me, as it featured valuable information about a method that is insufficiently discussed and applied in the local landscape. I am particularly interested in this method, as I am currently a PHD student. But I also feel that this method should be more popular among theater students of any kind and year, as it is a valuable alternative to the canonical ways of doing and understanding this art.

 

I like the idea of breaking the barrier between the stage and the audience, between actors and the public. It's an interesting way of interpreting the very concept of theater, or performing arts in general. As Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.' I believe the Rimini Protokoll method/practice could be applied in choreography, in contemporary dance. In dance, it’s about a non-verbal and universal language, which means an even more direct communication. I think the result would be very interesting. I'm thinking about it.

 

I reckon that every workshop or conference that introduces its participants to a new
approach is somewhat relevant to their development, in this case, as an aspiring  artist.