PUNCHDRUNK
Punchdrunk creates a theatrical environment in which the audience are free to choose what they watch and where they go. Since 2000, Punchdrunk have fused live fused performance, music and large-scale installation art in nine productions, first across south west England and then in London. What Punchdrunk do differently is to focus as much attention on the audience and the space as they give to the performers and the text. A team of designers takes over deserted spaces and applies a cinematic level of detail to immerse the audience in the world of the play.
Punchdrunk rejects the passive obedience expected of audiences in conventional theatre. Their desire is for the audience to rediscover the childlike excitement and anticipation of exploring the unknown and experience a real sense of adventure. Punchdrunk’s haunting version of Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death is currently taking over the entire Battersea Arts Centre in London.
Workshop'Hide and Seek – Approaches to the Empty Space'A physical acting workshop to be held in an unusual space. Presented by Felix Barrett and Maxine Doyle.
Participants will be led through a physical warm-up designed to sensitise the performer to the body in space. The workshop will then move through various areas of an unused building in which the performer will be asked to respond to its atmospheres, architecture and personality. The afternoon will be playful! Participants should wear warm clothes to move in and trainers. Bring water, openness and curiosity. There will be time to chat about Punchdrunk’s process at the end of the afternoon.
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Theatre company Punchdrunk has become a bit of a cult, and no wonder – its sensational installations convert deserted factories and warehouses into theatrical labyrinths, where theatre-goers explore dimly lit sets at will.”
Time Out London"
One of the most memorable evenings you're likely to have all year."
Evening Standard“
Punchdrunk's The Masque of the Red Death is undoubtedly the theatre event of 2007.”
The Guardianwww.punchdrunk.org.uk 
