Unit 13 and 14 Devising in the Physical Theatre style of Rash Dash Theatre Company

Creating a duet through improvisation using the words 'Over, Under, Through'

Layering dramatic intention onto the duet and exploring the relationship of Victim and Oppressor

Written Analysis of devising in the physical theatre style of Rash Dash 

In this lesson I learned a variety of new skills and devising approaches. We experimented with non-verbal communication, where we could only indicate each move through physical touch rather than words.  This was new to me and something I really enjoyed as it added a raw and real element to the piece. We also looked at the idea of manipulating and controlling our partners and vice-versa, which gave our pieces a flow and eventually added a victim/oppressor context. I also loved applying dynamics to our piece, as it made it really come to life and it was when we began focusing on the dynamics of each movement that it truly came to life and felt less unnatural. 

My absolute favourite aspect of using this theatre style was the concept of using simple 'building blocks' - in our case the phrase 'Over, under through' - to create a piece of dance. The fact that from a few simple words and initial movements we were able to create a piece with feeling, dynamics and context was so exciting to me and really highlighted how dance is a form of communication and can tell a story with no words. It was so interesting analysing the different stages of devising - watching it evolve from a few awkward movements to adding various dynamics/speeds to adding context and ending up with a story. 

The aspect of this style I found most challenging was the improvising element, it was difficult to think creatively and not let the piece become too repetitive. Before we experimented with dynamics, I found it really hard to remember our established moves as nothing really felt natural or right to begin with. It wasn't until we added that context that it felt real and natural. It began quite stagnant and it was hard to get creative without any context or story behind our moves but this lesson was very eye-opening as I witnessed our piece eventually become a story as we went on. 

Research into Rash Dash Theatre Company

• Who are Rash Dash? Abbi Greenland, Becky Wilkie, and Helen Goalen are the three core members of Rash Dash. They are all performers and creators who are passionate about what they do. 
• How long have they been working? Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen created Rash Dash in 2009, with Becky joining in 2017

• What sort of theatre do they create? They create pieces using music, movement and theatre because they believe this is the best way to "speak to the audience" and convey their various political, emotional and authentic truths. 
• What is their artistic aim? Their agenda is for everyone to be celebrated and unapologetically their true selves. They are strong activists and their stories have political standpoints which "call for cultural change". They encourage community and want their pieces to allow people to feel seen, heard, understood and celebrated. Their aim is to combine the sensuality of the body with the cerebral nature of the brain and therefore be transported to a radical and free world.

The Darkest Corners, 2017

A powerful show which tackles the themes of violence against women.

The Ugly Sisters, 2012

A sinister and sensuous retelling of Cinderella.

Catherine Love on 'Oh Mother' - "a clever collage on the messy truth of parenting. Combining music, dance and drama, RashDash's lest show attempts to find meaning in the mayhem of birth and family."

(https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/may/23/oh-mother-review-rashdash-parenting)