Heart of Practice: Within the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards

With Grotowski, After Grotowski is a unique and invaluable insight into the workings of one of theatrea??s true pioneers, presented by his closest collaborator. This book charts the development of Grotowskia??s dramatic research through a decade of conversations with his apprentice, Thomas Richards. Tuscanya??s a??Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richardsa?? is the enduring legacy of a master teacher, director and theorist, and home to much of Grotowskia??s most significant work. Interviewed by leading scholars, and offering his own intimate accounts, Richards gives a vivid and detailed view of the Workcentera??s evolution, providing: concrete illustration of the Workcentera??s distinctive creative practices rigorous discussion of over twenty years of world-renowned research previously unpublished performance photos privileged insight into what Grotowski considered to be theculmination of his lifea??s work.

Thomas Richards, a performing artist, earned a degree in Music and Theatre Studies from Yale University as an undergraduate, a Master's Degree in Art, Music and Performance from the University of Bologna, and a Ph.D. from the University of Paris VIII in the discipline of Art, Theatre and Dance Studies. Designated by Grotowski as his "essential collaborator" and the person to whom he transmitted the "inner aspect" of his work throughout a thirteen year practical apprenticeship, Richards is today the Artistic Director of the Workcenter, carrying forward a world-renowned performing arts research in which he has conducted a sustained investigation for more than 20 years. He is the author of At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions, now published in seven languages.