Hey All!

Another video for your enjoyment! This past weekend we were working with concepts of shape, line, and negative space. After several improvised experiments on these themes, I led the performers in an instinctive writing exercise. Their prompt for a 5-minute stream-of-consciousness write was “Discuss how shape, line, and negative space relate to Iaido.” Afterwards, we had a lengthy discussion where we shared what we had written and any thoughts that came to us during or after the exercise. In response to that discussion, I initiated this experiment.

Odorido Rehearsal 6/21/09 from Ellen Deutsch on Vimeo.

We are all improvising freely, the martial artists using movement vocabulary from Iaido–minus the sword–as inspiration, and myself improvising with them. One by one, we take it in turns to leave the space and return to our writing, reading it aloud for the group to hear and move to. Each piece was read through twice (Mine and the first half of Josh’s went by before I remembered to turn on the camera.)

The martial artists are, in speaking order: Joshua Stafford, Luke Chiang, and Dan Keding. Enjoy!

~Ellen

Hey All!

Again with the videos! I’m working with my old college roommate, an actress and playwright, on creating some text to play around with for part 1 of Odorido. Part 1 centers around Okinawan Kobudo, a weapon style comprising five primary weapons and several secondary weapons. Each of the primary weapons is associated with a different element, and has a distinct personality and physical style. My roommate asked for some video of the various physical styles of the primary weapons, to help her create personas for them. I just sent her the link to the footage, and I figured I’d post it here as well.

The video features Josh Stafford, performing several kata as well as some improvisations. Part 1 of Odorido is most likely going to take the form of a suite of shorter dances, one for each weapon, with some sort of through line tying it all together.

Okinawan Kobudo Weapon Sampler from Ellen Deutsch on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

~Ellen

Hey All!

Just wanted to give an official plug here for my new wirework jewelry store! I’m up on Etsy, selling Exquisite Shawl Pins and the World’s Best Stitch Markers for very reasonable prices. And what’s more, from now on you can get up-to-date info on what I’m selling by checking out my Etsy Mini, located in the sidebar just beneath the Links section. So hurry on over and buy something! Your purchases may contribute to the success of my next work!

~Ellen