I think about...

I think about my role of the dance dramaturge in the creative making process. On which moment do I have to act in what way? Do I have to ask questions and what kind of questions should I ask? Do I have to tell what I see or rather what I miss? Should I suggest and what would I like to reach with these suggestions? Can I introduce theory into the process or should we really start working in the studio now?

Currently I work on a translation of my theoretical research on creative making processes into the practice of the dramaturge. In principle you can divide any making process into phases. An artist can go one or several times through any phase during a creative making process. As a dramaturge you go through these phases as well. But, more interesting, you can try and track in which phase the artist is. And then see how you can use this knowledge as a dramaturge.

As a dance dramaturge you don’t work for a choreographer, but with a choreographer. You are making together. Dramaturgy is not only there in the performance; it plays a role during the entire making process. Dance dramaturgy is processing dance: it is both being in the process and dealing with the process.

Jochem Naafs