Poetics of sound and sonic dramaturgy

Torn between realism (a tree is represented by the wind passing through its leaves) and abstraction (a non-space gets filled with synthetic ambient music), sound design occupies a peculiar position within performing arts. As a very technical discipline, it seems in constant need of innovation, but is for historical reasons essentially empty regarding the meaning of its object and medium – the sound. Indeed, due to a lack of understanding of their potential, sounds are mostly used as alarms and/or ambiances at best, with little purpose other than drawing attention to something besides themselves.

The goal of this project is to offer an alternative by creating a topology of sounds linked to dramaturgy, based on observation and imagination through practice-based investigation. It is an attempt to restore and develop the lost meaning of sounds, to educate both the branch and the audience, and to open an alternative field of artistic investigation while sound design becomes a performing art form of its own.

Participants

Tim Hinmann – consultant regarding dramaturgi and storytelling – www.thirdear.dk
Gerhard Eckel – refelction partner – University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz, Austria
Xavier Descarpentries – programmer for installations and consultant
Kitt Johnson – dancer and choreographer – www.kittjohnson.dk
Luc Perez – artist and film animator – www.lucperez.com