Creating Tragic Chorus

We will focus on the text from the tragedy of Antigone by Sophocles from Anne Carson’s translation.

Antigone by Sophocles

Translation Anne Carson

‘When her dead brother is decreed a traitor, his body left unburied beyond the city walls, Antigone refuses to accept this most severe of punishments. Defying her uncle who governs, she dares to say ‘No’. Forging ahead with a funeral alone, she places personal allegiance before politics, a tenacious act that will trigger a cycle of destruction.’

Specifically, participants will be introduced to a variety of Physical Theatre techniques such as:

• J. Lecoq’s physical and gestural work.

• Voice work and working with text based on the Choreographic Theatre Practice inspired by Enrique Pardo’s Pantheatre approach.

• Breathwork Techniques, inspired by Theodoros Terzopoulos Physical Theatre Method.

• We will look at the themes of leadership, fate, hubris and gods and its relevance to the contemporary world.

• We will embrace physical effortlessness and the poetic body while integrating movement, breath, and voice in performing text.

10 places available in this workshop.

Cost:

£80 Full Fee

£60 Students

£40 Unemployed/low wedge

*Bursary available for a trans/non-binary artist and/or anyone who is struggling with the cost.

Please, send us an e-mail with your access needs - if any.

Suitable for students of theatre, drama, dance, movement, choreography, multidisciplinary arts and/or those who have graduated within the last three years interested in deepening their practice in tragic chorus, or anyone who would like to revisit their practice.

Date: Saturday, 31st of May

Time: 1pm - 6pm

Address: 107 Leadenhall St, London EC3A 4AF

Bio of Facilitator:

Mayra Stergiou - Performer, Director, Choreographer

Mayra (she/they) is a Performer, Director and qualified Dramatherapist. She trained in Lecoq Devised Physical Theatre and Performance at London International School of Performing Arts and in Dramatherapy at University of Derby (MA). She directs and performs in Devised Theatre, Opera and New Music in various theatres and festivals across the UK and internationally. In 2013 she founded Vertebra Theatre where she is co-developing Participatory Arts and Arts in Health projects with various marginalised communities alongside with its main artistic productions. She has been a visiting lecturer in various Universities teaching Puppetry, Mask and Embodiment (Roehampton, RCSSD, UAL) and she is currently completing an MPhil in Performance Practice at Guildhall School of Music and Drama researching staging trauma through embodied materiality and expanded scenography. www.mayrastergiou.com

About Vertebra Theatre

Vertebra is an is an award-winning, Queer and Disabled led ensemble of theatre makers and artists from diverse backgrounds, with a passion to create contemporary work on the principles of Devised, Physical and Visual Theatre. Vertebra founded in 2013 by the Artistic Director Mayra Stergiou has a reputation of developing research-led experimental and surrealist performance touring in the UK and International festivals over the years. We create original and socially engaging writing for stage. Placing the live Body & Scenography in the core of our practice and research, we strive to create artistic work that stretches the boundaries and constantly shifting, shaping and nagotiating spaces between Physical Theatre, Contemporary Dance, Puppetry and the Visual Arts. www.vertebrarts.com

Vertebra Theatre is a Trauma Informed Practice with training and the lived experience of creating Neurodivergent friendly environments. As an LGBTQ+ led theatre company and in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, we would like to reinstate our unconditional support to trans community and that we are aiming to create a safe, playful and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.

Photo Credits: Florence Romero

Electra Untitled, BAC, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2025

Performers on photo: Belen Brito, Nela Fortunato, Maria Masonou, Mayra Stergiou

Set and Costumes Consultation: Mayou Trikerioti