In 2024, Farm in the Cave implemented the Farm in the Cave Training Program, aimed at developing competencies in contemporary dance and movement theatre. The project, supported by the Ministry of Culture's National Recovery Plan programme, included four key activities. The programme included dramaturgical preparation, regular training sessions led by company members and two intensive workshops with international tutors. The training sessions combined the "Immerse Performing" methodology with elements of African and Asian dance traditions to enrich the teaching with new movement and expression techniques. The workshops at DOX+ focused on movement dynamics, narration through the body and the integration of traditional and contemporary approaches.

Abstract

 The Farm in the Cave Training Program project was conceived as an innovative training platform that allowed the development of the ensemble's methodology and the transfer of its unique elements to a wider range of professionals. Four key activities were implemented during the year, which fully met and in some respects exceeded expectations.

The project brought new experiences to participants from the Czech Republic and abroad, promoted cultural exchange and strengthened the position of the Cave Farm as a major player in the field of physical theatre.

   

The project has managed to combine educational and creative aspects to create a platform that is beneficial for both emerging artists and established professionals. The implemented activities provided a solid basis for further development of methodology, new forms of cooperation and consolidation of the prestige of the Cave Farm as a leader in the field of movement theatre.

The dramaturgy and preparation led by Viliam Dočolomanský and Hana Varadzinová created a solid foundation for all follow-up activities. Thanks to this, the trainings led by the tutors from the Farm in the Cave could focus not only on consolidating the "Immerse Performing" methodology, but also on adapting it for a wider audience. At the same time, new approaches learned at the foreign workshops in Mozambique were tested.

Two intensive series of workshops, led by internationally renowned experts Andrei Petrovich and Ren Qincairang, brought participants direct experience with techniques from different cultural contexts - from the dynamics of the Akram Khan Company to Asian traditions. These activities significantly enriched the participants' artistic skills and confirmed the versatility of the company's methodology.

  

The Cave Farm has achieved several key organizational, artistic and educational improvements as a result of this project. The project has enabled the company to strengthen its position as a pioneer of innovative movement theatre, while creating a platform for deeper learning and sharing:
The first major contribution was the professionalisation of the "Immerse Performing" methodology. By combining trainings and workshops, the company has created a coherent educational model that can be used for different target groups. This approach also facilitated the sharing of know-how among the ensemble members and with external participants.

Secondly, the project has enabled the ensemble to establish new relationships with important international trainers and institutions. These contacts open up possibilities for further collaborations that can be beneficial for both the ensemble and the Czech art scene.

The project has had a major impact on the professional development of the individuals who have participated in the trainings and workshops. It has enabled them not only to learn new techniques, but also a deeper understanding of the principles of movement theatre. Participants gained access to the unique "Immerse Performing" methodology, which combines work with gravity, rhythm and movement expression. This experience was unique for many of them and opened new perspectives for their future artistic work.

  

Workshops led by foreign lecturers introduced new cultural and artistic contexts. The meeting with Andrei Petrovich and Ren Qincairang inspired the participants not only to experiment, but also to search for new possibilities in interpretation and creation.

The project also had a positive impact on young talents who got the opportunity to work in an inspiring environment and develop their skills in direct collaboration with professionals. This approach has fostered the sharing of experiences and brought new impetus to the whole cultural sector.

Thanks to the project, participants and trainers have moved to a new level of expertise. The project enhanced their technical and performance skills, which are essential for their professional growth.

The participants have improved their skills in bodywork, rhythmic and voice work. The intensive workshops allowed them to learn new techniques and approaches that bring a deeper understanding of movement theatre. For the teachers, the project was an opportunity to develop their teaching skills. Working with a diverse group of participants taught them to be flexible and adapt their approach to the needs of the individuals.

The involvement of international lecturers brought new perspectives on methodology and deepened the ability of all involved to work in an international context. These competencies will have a long-term impact on the quality of the educational activities of the Cave Farm.

Regular training sessions provided participants with the opportunity to deeply learn the basic principles of the Immerse Performing methodology. This foundation was then developed during intensive workshops that focused on deepening specific skills. Collaboration with foreign lecturers brought not only new teaching methods, but also a cultural exchange that enriched everyone involved. The active involvement of the participants and the individual approach of the trainers ensured that each participant was able to use the full potential of the project.

 

For Promoters

Farm in the Cave’s standard space requirements for performances are as follows: a space with good acoustics which can also be completely silent during performances; typically we use a black box or site-specific space with minimal dimensions of 10 x 10 meters, with a height of 6 meters; at least 6 months before the performance our technical team of 2-4 persons must make a preparatory visit.

The maximum number of audience members at individual performances varies, but is usually no more than 450. 
The number of performers per performance varies between 5 and 13, and the technical – production staff is between 4 and 6 people.
The minimum number of performances presented in one place is 2. The company can play 2 performances per day are available on request – the latest start time is 21:00 local time.
 
The length of preparation and adaptation depends on the specific performance and local conditions, with a minimum of 1-2 days necessary prior to the day of the first production.
Financial requirements are available upon request at info@farminthecave.com.
 

The organizers pay for: fees; costs of shipping scenography; personnel transport; local transportation to the performance location; housing; per-diems; costs connected with preparatory technical visit. The organizer agrees to pay for costs of equipment rental if the space to be used does not have the equipment necessary.