Category: CPPM news

In a bid to attract exceptional talent, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT) has unveiled a remarkable opportunity for prospective students enrolling in the Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM) course. EAMT is pleased to announce the availability of eight partial tuition fee waivers, aiming to ease the financial journey of aspiring students.

These scholarships are structured into two tiers: four scholarships that generously provide a 50% reduction on the full tuition fee and an additional four that offer a 25% reduction. The direct application of these scholarships serves to alleviate the financial burden on students, with the reduction (25% or 50%) subtracted from the total tuition fee for the academic year.

For example, EU applicants with a full tuition fee of €7000 will witness a reduced fee of €5250 with a 25% scholarship and a further decrease to €3500 with a 50% scholarship per academic year. Similarly, non-EU applicants with a full tuition fee of €13000 will experience reductions to €9750 and €6500, respectively.

The allocation of these scholarships for the first academic year is contingent upon audition outcomes, with four candidates set to receive a 50% discount and another four benefiting from a 25% discount. Each scholarship remains valid for one academic year.

In the subsequent academic year, all CPPM students will have the opportunity to vie for eight similar scholarships based on academic performance, artistic dedication, and overall course contribution, as determined by the CPPM course committee.

Additionally, EAMT extends its support to CPPM students by offering a result-based scholarship. The student with the highest academic performance each term is awarded 100 euros per month, a recognition of their dedication and excellence. This scholarship is granted at the beginning of each term, acknowledging academic achievements from the preceding term.

Prospective candidates and current students eager to explore these scholarship opportunities can find comprehensive details on CPPM Course Detail page.

Graduates of CPPM, Estonian performance artists Liisa Saaremäel and Keithy Kuuspu, have received nominations for the esteemed prize at the Estonian Annual Theatre Awards in the performance art category.

Liisa Saaremäel has been acknowledged for her directorial work in the production of “Scream Box” at Kanuti Gildi SAAL. “Scream Box” is a concert performance that delves into the realm of tiny vocal cords and resounding screams. Whether the screams emanate from fangirls, moments of birth or demise, an open mouth merely serves as an image; it is the moist chords that truly resonate. With its slimy dance, the performance oscillates between intimacy and repetition, akin to children’s games or fervent exchanges between relentless lovers. Through this slippery journey, viewers descend into the anatomy of deceitful tears and the most candid confessions. Moreover, Liisa Saaremäel has also earned a nomination for the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the production “Teoreem” at the Estonian Drama Theatre.

Meanwhile, Keithy Kuuspu‘s directorial prowess in “Paus istu mine” at Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava and Ģertrūdes ielas teātris has earned her a nomination in the performance art category. “Paus istu mine” (Standstill) captures a fragment of time, extracted from the daily ebb and flow, scrutinised under a magnifying glass in pursuit of a momentary pause, a stillness. The performance seeks to uncover moments of tension through the uncanny and the sublime, whether by evoking a slightly off-kilter familiarity or inducing a sense of perverse ecstaticism, displacing reality and revealing experiences in their raw essence, devoid of any attached meanings.

Liisa Saaremäel (1992) is a freelance performance artist and actress whose artistic endeavours and research centre around societal coexistence from an individual’s perspective, where confined spaces play a crucial poetic role. Recently awarded an MA degree from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in contemporary performing arts (CPPM), her diploma project and site-specific performance “Tiny Home Production presents: SUUREM-KUI-ELU (2021)” secured an Estonian theatre award in the performance art category.

Keithy Kuuspu (1994) hails from Tallinn, Estonia, and is a performance and dance artist. Her practice often involves deconstructing mundane structures and exploring the influence of society on individuals, often through ironic and naive lenses. She is particularly intrigued by the manipulation of time and space, advocating for a slowdown in both oneself and processes before and after outcomes. The integration of visual and performance art, as well as the exploration of connections between the body and materials, are central to her creative process. Her recent directorial works include “Paus istu mine” (STL, 2023), the Estonian Pavilion “Home Stage” at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 (collaboration with Liisa Saaremäel), “False Falling” (EMTA, STL, 2021), and “Body Slam” (with Liisa Saaremäel, 2022).

The winners will be announced on International Theatre Day. We extend our heartfelt wishes to Liisa Saaremäel and Keithy Kuuspu for a successful outcome. Good luck!

These upcoming sessions aim to provide prospective applicants interested in the MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM) with the opportunity to connect with the course teaching team. It enables you to inquire about the application and audition procedures and gain insights into the specifics of the course. Former and current CPPM students will also attend, offering valuable perspectives on their experience with the programme.

Applicants have the option to attend one of the following sessions:

• 3rd April at 10:00 (GMT +3 Tallinn time)
• 15th May at 19:00 (GMT +3 Tallinn time)
• 25th June at 15:00 (GMT +3 Tallinn time)

Each session is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

To participate, please register for your preferred session(s) using the provided link. As the selected session approaches, participants will receive a Zoom link via email to join.

For any inquiries leading up to the sessions, you are encouraged to reach out via email at info_cppm@eamt.ee

Please note that the course application deadline is 1st July 2024.

Today, on the 1st of March, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT) has commenced accepting applications for its MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making programme (CPPM). Applications are welcome until the 1st of July 2024. In 2024, the course admits 16–18 students and the studies will commence on the 20th of January 2025, with studies spanning two years.

“We’re admitting students for the third time and remain committed to finding the most talented and diverse performance artists worldwide to come to Estonia for studies – all to curate an exceptional course enriching the Estonian performing arts landscape,” stated Jüri Nael, the leading professor of contemporary performance at EMTA.

“In 2024, we aim to bring auditions closer to you, ensuring that everyone can attend without the need to travel to the other side of the world. That’s why we’re offering global face-to-face and online auditions this year. While face-to-face auditions are preferred, as they allow us to meet and spend some time together in the studio, we accept online auditions as an equally valid alternative. We hope this ensures greater flexibility and accessibility for applicants, regardless of their location”, added Nael.

Face-to-face auditions take place in Seoul (South Korea), Melbourne (Australia), Sao Paolo (Brazil), New York (United States), London (UK) and Tallinn (Estonia). In addition, we offer three online auditions that take place in different time zones: Asia (GMT+10), the Americas (GMT-7), and Europe (GMT+1).

CPPM programme is founded on the belief that encounters with inspiring artists and the opportunity to closely and honestly experience their creative process are the primary catalysts for the development of young performance artists. The coursework is delivered through intensive masterclasses by internationally acclaimed directors, choreographers, performers, and troupes from around the globe. Recent guest artists include Olivier de Sagazan (FRA), Hannes Langolf (DV8 Physical Theatre), Eddie Martinez (Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bauch), Rob Hayden (Ultima Vez), Guillermo Gomez-Pena (La Pochanostra), Grzegorz Bral (Song of the Goat), Amit Lahav (Gecko), Marilena Dara (Jasmin Vardimon Company), Kim Collier (Electric Company Theatre), Young Boy Dancing Group and many others.

Instruction is conducted in English.

To qualify for the program, candidates should hold an undergraduate degree, ideally in a field related to performing arts such as theatre, acting, dance, choreography, circus, performance art or performance making. Nonetheless, applicants with degrees in other areas may also be eligible if they can present a significant portfolio highlighting their prior artistic practice and experience. While candidates with several years of professional experience in the performing arts are preferred, this is not a mandatory criterion for application.

Established in 2019, CPPM saw its first cohort graduate in the spring of 2021, comprising 12 students from 8 countries. The second cohort, with 14 students from 11 countries, is set to graduate this spring as part of the international contemporary performance festival, CPPM MANIFESTAL’24, running from March 12th to June 17th, featuring 14 new productions totalling over 60 performances.

All information about the course, including entry requirements, can be found on the CPPM website at www.mastersincppm.com

The website offers abundant visual and video material regarding past CPPM projects and activities.

The eagerly awaited CPPM Manifestal has been announced, beckoning the talented CPPM master’s students of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Following two years of intensive learning under the guidance of world-renowned artists, these young makers are poised to step onto the international stage, presenting their creations to audiences, curators, and producers in Estonia and globally. This spring marks the festival’s second edition, unveiling the final projects of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s international MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM).

Professor Jüri Nael, the head of CPPM at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, sheds light on the festival’s background: “CPPM Manifestal spans three months – from mid-March to mid-June. In addition to 60 performances, the event features various workshops, lectures, audio journeys, discussions, and conversations on performing arts. Each premiere is followed by a discussion with the artist to delve deeper into the processes, backgrounds, and sources of inspiration behind the production. All these events create a vibrant and exciting festival atmosphere that significantly enriches the landscape of Estonian performing arts.”

The festival’s program is international, showcasing the work of 14 emerging artists from 11 different countries: Jennifer Bagg (Australia), DongBin Lee (South Korea), Rebecca Green (United States), Amy Reade (England), Javier Cárcel Hidalgo-Saavedra (Spain), Katia Skylar (Finland), Misia Żurek (Poland), Rasmus Jensen (Denmark), Sofia Filippou (Greece), Kymbali Williams (Ghana/England/Estonia), Britt Kõrsmaa, Elo Tuule Järv, Kirte Jõesaar, Kreete Tarmo (all from Estonia). All projects are created specifically for the festival, presenting 14 new productions during the event.

While the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre takes the lead in organizing the festival, it is carried out in collaboration with numerous partners, including venues such as JAIK, Von Krahl Theatre, Kanuti Gildi SAAL, Viimsi Artium, Vene teater, and more. Additionally, undiscovered venues like the ruins of Ungru Castle, Kiviõli ash mountains, Pirita TOP pool, Tallinn urban space, and various pop-up galleries will host performances. This year, CPPM Manifestal also features smaller sub-festivals, such as “Next Stop”, curated by Von Krahl, focusing on the relationship between the individual and society.

The first CPPM Manifestal took place in 2021, featuring noteworthy productions like Liisa Saaremäel’s “Tiny Home Productions Presents: Bigger Than Life” (in collaboration with ULM), which won the 2022 theatre award in the performing arts category. Keithy Kuuspu’s “False Falling” (in collaboration with STL) earned her the Crystal Slipper award and a nomination for the best dance production. Paolo Panizza’s production “Por Toi” reached the finals in the young directors’ category at the 2022 Venice Theatre Biennale.

The festival will take place from March 13 to June 17, 2024. The program will be continuously updated!

For more information: www.manifestal.ee

Tickets are available at Piletikeskus.

The city of Tallinn is set to host immersive audio walk event, “AND NOW ARE YOU HERE,” on February 3rd and 4th, 2024. This unique experience invites the audience to explore the hidden layers of Tallinn’s urban landscape through a series of audio-guided walks presented in English for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

This event is a collaboration under the CPPM international cohort, supervised by Imanuel Schipper (Rimini Protokoll / CPPM) and Giacomo Veronesi (CPPM). Dramaturg Pauli Patinen (Uniarts Helsinki) has also contributed his expertise to this creative endeavor.

The creative team comprises a diverse group of CPPM students, including Jennifer Bagg from Australia, DongBin Lee from South-Korea, Rebecca Green from the USA, Amy Reade from the UK, Javier Cárcel Hidalgo-Saavedra from Spain, Katia Skylar from Finland/Russia, Misia Żurek from Poland, Rasmus Jensen from Denmark, Sofia Filippou from Greece, and Kymbali Williams, who brings a mix of Ghanaian, UK, and Estonian influences. Estonian CPPM students Britt Kõrsmaa, Elo Tuule Järv, Kirte Jõesaar, and Kreete Tarmo also join the lineup, alongside with Anita Kremm and Liisamari Viik from the Estonian Academy of Arts.

The event begins at Tallinna Kunstihoone Galerii, where the audience can choose from seven distinct audio walks, each offering a 30-60-minute journey through Tallinn’s historic old town and its surroundings. With starting times available every hour from 11:00 to 18:00, participants are encouraged to book their time slot to secure their experience.

Preparation tips include dressing warmly for the winter weather, bringing headphones for the audio experience, and ensuring smartphones are fully charged. This event promises to unveil the city’s secrets, delve into its history, and immerse participants in the atmospheric essence of Tallinn during winter.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the urban environment of Tallinn through the creative visions of an international cohort of artists and students, offering a unique, sensory exploration of the city’s stories.

This week, CPPM is thrilled to present a one-week intensive workshop conducted by Külli Roosna from Estonia and Kenneth Flak from Norway. Acclaimed for their pioneering integration of dance, digital art, and technology, Roosna and Flak are set to share their distinct Responsive Body movement technique with CPPM students. The workshop concludes with an open class this Friday, 22 December, at 18:00, in the EAMT black box. This event presents a rare chance for attendees to witness firsthand the innovative methods and artistic synergy that Roosna and Flak are renowned for.

The Responsive Body Workshop

The workshop centres around the Responsive Body practice, a unique methodology by Roosna and Flak. It amalgamates elements from functional anatomy, martial arts, and sensor technology. The workshop aims to cultivate an awareness of the body’s functional connections, starting with fundamental movement exercises. This initial stage is crucial for grounding participants in their physicality and preparing them for more intricate activities.

As the workshop advances, students will delve into diverse sensory experiences. They will develop their capacity to respond to a range of internal and external stimuli by engaging in both individual and partner exercises. This expands their movement vocabulary and improvisational prowess. A standout feature of the workshop is the integration of sensor technology, encouraging students to explore the nexus between bodily movement and sound. This avant-garde approach hones physical skills and fosters inventive thinking at the intersection of human motion and digital technology.

Külli Roosna

Born in 1981, Külli Roosna is a celebrated Estonian dancer, choreographer, and educator. She graduated in choreography/dance from Tallinn University, followed by a second bachelor’s degree from Rotterdam Dance Academy. She also holds an MA in choreography from Tallinn University. Roosna’s extensive career spans collaborations with eminent choreographers and performances worldwide. Her solo performance “Circle Through” received top honours at the International Festival of Modern Choreography in Vitebsk, Belarus. She has also played a significant role in the Estonian Dance Artist Union, both as a board member and head of its Stipendium commission.

Kenneth Flak

Born in 1975, Kenneth Flak is a versatile Norwegian artist who excelled as a dancer, choreographer, composer, and educator. He trained at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts in Norway and the Amsterdam Arts School in the Netherlands. His accolades include a Bessie Performer’s Award for his role in André Gingras’ solo CYP17 and a nomination for the BNG Award in Amsterdam for his choreography “Of Gods and Driftwood.” As a self-taught composer and creative coder, Flak specialises in crafting music and interactive tools for live choreographies and dance films. He also led the Norwegian Arts Council Commission for Dance from 2018 to 2020.

The intensive workshop at CPPM is poised to be a transformative and enlightening experience for the students, offering a rare chance to engage with two of the foremost innovators in contemporary dance and digital artistry.

This week, we are excited to host the esteemed artist Stacy Makishi, who will lead the much-anticipated “Killing Time” workshop exclusively for CPPM students.

Stacy Makishi, a dynamic and versatile artist from Hawaii, is renowned for her multi-form approach encompassing live art, film, visual art, and physical theatre. She has graced stages at prestigious venues like the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Albert Hall, TATE Modern, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With over 30 years of experience as a facilitator, Stacy brings a unique blend of creativity and spontaneity to her workshops, engaging students in a transformative learning process.

This is not the first time CPPM students have had the opportunity to learn from Stacy. In 2019, she conducted a workshop for a previous cohort, which was met with resounding admiration and students and faculty eagerly anticipate her return to CPPM this year.

Killing Time Workshop

During the “Killing Time” workshop, Stacy will focus on encouraging students to:

• Move Faster Than Think: Instilling a sense of spontaneity in creation.
• Create Faster Than Critique: Emphasizing the importance of the creative process over self-judgment.
• Resist Resistance: Helping students to overcome creative obstacles.
• Pulverize Procrastination: Teaching strategies to maintain artistic momentum.

Stacy Makishi’s approach is not just about teaching art; it’s about unleashing the potential within each artist, challenging them to explore beyond their limits.

You can see the workshop results in an open class on Saturday, 9 December, at 19:00 at EAMT black box.

This week marks a thrilling opportunity for students at CPPM, as the internationally celebrated Young Boy Dancing Group (YBDG) conducts an exclusive workshop culminating in an open class on Thursday, 30 November at 19:00 in EMTA Black Box.

Established in 2014, YBDG began as a dynamic dance ensemble, gaining its name in 2015 and featuring a rotating cast of talented performers. The company has captivated audiences worldwide, performing at prestigious venues and events such as Oflaherty NYC, Mendes Wood Gallery Sao Paulo in 2023, Unter NYC, Kunsthalle Osnabrück in 2022, Freiburg Biennale, and Art Hub Copenhagen in 2021. Their notable appearances include the Disappearing Berlin, Schinkel Pavilion Berlin, and a solo exhibition at OCD Chinatown NYC in 2019. The group’s influential presence was also felt at the Baltic Triennial, Tallinn and Athens Biennale in 2018, as well as the Lithuanian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2015, and Silencio, Paris in 2014.

The workshop offered by YBDG is not just a set of choreographic instructions but an intimate journey into the world of modern dance. It aims to create a sense of belonging within the group, encouraging participants to dance together, express emotions freely, and find comfort in collective stillness. The workshop fosters an environment where vulnerability becomes a strength, allowing participants to delve into their raw emotions through dance while embodying a punk attitude towards modern dance.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from and interact with the Young Boy Dancing Group, an ensemble known for its innovative and emotionally charged performances. Join us for the open class on Thursday to witness the fruits of this exciting workshop!

The Latvian Theatre Award ceremony, held at Dailes Theatre in Riga on Thursday, 23 November 2023, unfolded into an evening of theatrical splendour as “Malleus Maleficarum. The New Pact” took centre stage. Masterfully directed by CPPM alumna Iveta Pole, the production earned widespread acclaim, clinching the title of the year’s best and setting a new benchmark in big-scale physical performance.

Iveta Pole, an esteemed Latvian performance artist and actor, embarked on a transformative journey during her studies at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s CPPM program from 2019 to 2021. Here, Pole developed a deep interest in contemporary physical performance, leading to the inception of “Malleus Maleficarum”. Inspired by the theme of feminine energy and its often misunderstood dimensions, Pole envisioned a production that explored these complex dynamics.

Drawing from Heinrich Kramer’s medieval treatise “Malleus Maleficarum” or “The Witch’s Hammer”, Pole and her creative team sought to challenge and reinterpret the historical perception of women as inherently dangerous. The production delves into a pre-labelled era of feminine energy, questioning its role and potential in the past and future.

Pole describes the production as an emotional and heart-centred journey, emphasising the importance of approaching it beyond mere intellectual analysis. She highlights the natural flow and primal energy embodied in the show, likening it to being in the womb or a flowing river.

The cast, including CPPM alumni Martina Georgina from Malta and Lea Blau from Croatia, is part of this artistic exploration. Show participant Katrīna Neiburga reflects on the production’s uniqueness, focusing on feminine energy rather than women per se. Lea Blau, another participant, shares her experience of working in a predominantly female creative team, highlighting the dynamic and sometimes explosive energy this brought to the process.

Spectators and critics have praised the show for its courage, self-irony, and exploration of deep-seated themes. Theatre critic Tom Chever commends the play for addressing significant issues beyond gender. In contrast, Henrietta Verhoustynska, another critic, acknowledges the powerful sense of sisterhood and primal connection to the earth experienced during the performance.

“Malleus Maleficarum” is a testament to Iveta Pole’s visionary direction and the collaborative spirit fostered by the CPPM. This production marks a significant achievement in Latvian theatre and sets a high standard for future productions, inspiring artists and audiences with its innovative approach and exploration of deep-rooted themes.

Resources:

Baltics News. (2023, June 6). Witches and Feminine Energy in the Play “Malleus Maleficarum: The New Contract”. Baltics News. https://baltics.news/2023/06/06/witches-and-feminine-energy-in-the-play-malleus-maleficarum-the-new-contract/

Photo: Marshall Stay