Winter School
Curious to learn all about Schweigman&’s philosophy and working methods? Then sign up for the Winter School on Wednesday 5 March 2025. Learn in a playful way to let go of reasoning and trust your body. This year’s theme is: the energy of the body.
Schweigman& Winter School 2025
The Winter School offers a ‘look behind the scenes’ of Utrecht-based theatre company Schweigman&. The day consists of a physical workshop allowing you to experience our working methods at first hand and a Schweigman& lecture by Boukje Schweigman and director’s assistant Anemone Oostvriesland.
This year’s theme is The energy of the body. Body has a form but also an energy. How can we make sure that instead of having to work hard to generate energy, we get the energy as a gift?
During the day you will also learn all about our method and philosophy: phenomenology. Not our mind, but our sensory experience is the first source of knowing and knowing about ourselves and the world around us. Here, the spectator’s experience is central.
Boukje Schweigman: ‘When making a performance, we immerse ourselves in a (physical) phenomenon: magnetism, fire, floating, colour, falling. We explore it and work with it within improvisations. We subject our own bodies to the phenomenon. Then we distance ourselves and analyse what the material evokes in us, what scenes might arise. We repeat this process and so we slowly penetrate to the core, layer by layer, to discover what wisdom emerges.’
About our approach: open your senses and be curious
Everyone is busy and our brooding heads work overtime. Schweigman& invites you to open your senses and listen to your body again, in order to get closer to yourself and to each other. During the Winter School, we explore what it means to be vulnerable, to trust your own intuition and to be curious and open-minded in the world again. We embrace ‘not-knowing’; an open, curious attitude to the world around us.
You will also be introduced to our dramaturgical structure and principles, with a focus on the cyclical and rituals. Why are cycles so important, how do we ensure a specific structure within a performance and what tools do we use to do so?
During the Winter School there will be plenty of room for questions. If there’s is something you’ve always wanted to know, write the question down for yourself and take it with you!
For whom?
Anyone interested in the work of Schweigman&. Unsure whether the Winter School is for you? Then be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Where?
Theaterhuis De Berenkuil, Biltstraat 166 in Utrecht.
By whom?
Boukje Schweigman, director’s assistent Anemone Oostvriesland & team members Schweigman&.
Tickets & pricing
Because we like to keep our workshops accessible, we are working with three different ticket prices this year. We trust you to choose the ticket that best suits your situation.
We support you: € 27,50
Regular ticket: € 37,50
You support us: € 47,50
You can buy your tickets through this link.
Would you like to join but can’t find a suitable ticket? Then contact Sara Lisa at sara@schweigman.org.
FAQ
Do you doubt whether the Winter School is for you? Or do you still have some questions? Below we list the most frequently asked questions. Is your question not among them? Then contact Sara Lisa at sara@schweigman.org.
What do I bring to the Winter School?
We advise you to bring clothes that are easy to move in and a notebook and pen to make notes.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
The Winter School is open to everyone from 18 years of age. The physical part of the day is suitable for all types of movers.
Can I participate if I have no theatre experience?
Absolutely! No theatre experience is necessary to participate in the Winter School.
What is the working language during the Winter School?
In principle, Dutch is the language of instruction during the Winter School. In addition, it is possible to translate (parts of) the instructions into English so that the programme can also be followed by non-native speakers.
Is the Winter School accessible with physical disabilities?
During the Winter School, the workshop leaders can take physical disabilities into account. For example, it is possible to perform the physical exercises (partly) in a seated position or to hold on to something. Are you dependent on a wheelchair or other aid to move your body? We will be happy to work with you to find a way to make participation possible. To do so, please contact Sara Lisa at sara@schweigman.org.
Is the Winter School accessible with a visual impairment?
Yes, it is possible. Please contact Sara Lisa at sara@schweigman.org to discuss which adaptations are necessary and/or possible and whether the experience is suitable for your specific situation.
Is the Winter School accessible with an auditory disability?
Yes, it is possible. Contact Sara Lisa at sara@schweigman.org to discuss what adaptations are necessary and/or possible and whether the experience is suitable for your specific situation.
I am unfortunately unable to attend. Can I still return my ticket?
If you are unable to attend, it is unfortunately not possible to return your ticket.