Dramaturgy is a distinct practice that facilitates artistic decisions pertaining to content, structure, design and form, as well as all modes of communication related to a work.

Over the last decade, performing arts professionals in Hong Kong have begun to integrate dramaturgical approaches as part of their performance making. Prompted by the increased interest in the practice of dramaturgy in a variety of contexts, West Kowloon and the School of Drama at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts are collaborating to organise the three-year discursive and practice-based platform “Dramaturgy and Beyond”. This platform investigates the practice, role and function of dramaturgs, and their relationship with artists and the artistic process within contemporary performance practice. Through a range of public roundtable discussions, small group practicum sessions and workshops, the platform will delve into the discourse in and around the practice of dramaturgy and the tools that are useful to the creation of dance and theatre within the contemporary context. More importantly, it will offer participants access to a more rigorous set of analytical skills critical to performance making.

Each year, the platform will focus on a particular perspective. In 2018, we begin by unpacking the concepts and approaches of dramaturgy with a particular focus on ‘production dramaturgy’. In 2019, we highlight the role of dramaturgy within the interdisciplinary and festival making practice; and in 2020, participants get hands-on practice working on their own projects with mentorship provided by experienced artists and dramaturgs. (Details to be announced.)

"Creation for Freespace: Dramaturgy and Beyond" Workshop Series 5 and Public Seminar 3 Highlights

"Creation for Freespace: Dramaturgy and Beyond" Workshop Series 3, 4 Highlights

"Creation for Freespace: Dramaturgy and Beyond" Roundtable and Workshop Series 1, 2 Highlights

• While participants are welcome to join an individual event, we highly encourage those interested to attend all events to gain an in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of the practice.
• Participants joining more than one workshop series (from Workshop Series 1 to 5) are eligible for a discount of 10% to 25% on workshop fees. For details please refer to the individual workshop pages.

Co-organised by:

Supported by: