If you're looking for inspiration, go out and find it: Inside Lloyd Newson's workshops at the VCA
The VCA recently welcomed renowned choreographer Lloyd Newson to campus for a series of workshops with Dance and Theatre students. These sessions saw students work across disciplines and learn from one of the world's most significant dance artists.
Newson, recognised for his pioneering work with DV8 Physical Theatre, has received international acclaim for tackling poignant social themes through a unique blend of dance, theatre, text, and film.
We spoke with Master of Dance student Jennifer Fleenor-O'Brien to glean her insights from this transformative experience. Here's her take:
Hi Jennifer - can you tell us about yourself?
Hi, I'm Jennifer, and I'm a second-year Master of Dance student and tutor at the VCA. I've returned to study after 25 years of teaching and performing professionally across the US and Europe. My background is primarily in contemporary concert dance and European dance theatre.
You were involved in workshops with Lloyd Newson at VCA. Were you already familiar with his work?
I was introduced to Lloyd's work in the late 90's when I moved to Dublin. I was doing some workshops with Wendy Houston, who was a pivotal collaborator with Lloyd at the time. We were working very much with Wendy's interpretation of Lloyd's style of theatrical play in movement.
I worked with CoisCeim Dance Theatre in Ireland for fifteen years and their style is also an integration of theatre and dance. I'd often work with Lloyd's dancers when they weren't under contract with DV8, so in collaborating and devising work, some of Lloyd's influence would naturally seep in.
I also was in a piece by Liam Steele, ex-DV8 dancer in the early 2000's, which was very much influenced by his time with DV8.
I guess you could say I was Lloyd adjacent, although I never auditioned for DV8. This was my first time meeting him.
Working closely with a choreographer like Lloyd must have been an enriching experience. Given your background in dance and theatre, how did these workshops resonate with you?
For me, these workshops were like coming home. Lloyd's clear approach to his craft stood out to me most. The amount of research he puts into each piece is phenomenal, and he carries that right through the rehearsal and performance process. There are subtleties that he notices and works through like a true craftsperson. That kind of clarity and commitment over many years and its evolution is inspiring.
The workshops brought students from Dance and Theatre together. What was it like working across disciplines?
I love observing the approach and intention of actors and how they use their focus and activate their character. It is so different from where dance originates much of the time. There is a lot to learn through workshopping together. As a teacher and choreographer, my creative approach almost always has this interdisciplinary approach.
What was your key takeaway from the workshop?
We spoke at length about Lloyd’s approach in terms of language, action, set design, directing the audience's eye, etc., but overall, the most impactful was the reminder of taking life as inspiration for your work. To quote Lloyd, "If you are looking for inspiration, go out and find it. Life is hugely loaded and complex”.