Session Synopsis

What does it take to be present with yourself - with your ensemble or team? What does it take to build a compassionate and brave space with and as an audience? What does it take to engage in artful living?

In February of 2020, Simon Sharkey and Jessica Pilmore led a highly interactive session to share the results of their current collaborations related to the Suspension of Disconnect. The Suspension of Disconnect is centered around four themes: self and process, ensemble and team, artful living, and audience (with and as). The session invites participants and viewers to explore the themes through a series of prompts and questions.

While the live discussion has been removed from the recording, viewers can still participate via the prompts by pausing the video to take time to reflect.

Additional Resources

• Session Transcript
• Session Guide and List of Resources: This PDF includes explanations of “Setting Your Sights”, the “3 year-old Filter”, and other activities from the session as well a list of influential works from thought-leaders.
• National Theatre of Scotland: Learn more about Theatre Without Walls by checking out the organization where it got started.
• The Necessary Space: Learn more about Simon’s current project that explores Theatre of Opportunity and Theatre Without Walls.
• Creatively Independent - Learn more about Jess’ work about mindfulness, play, and community to develop sustainable artistry.
• Stewart Brown’s "Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul"