Hi, I was wondering if I could ask some advice; my final drama exam this year is a piece that we have to devise, write and choreograph ourselves, based off the work of punchdrunk and in particular of SNM. Iâm a fairly competent writer and dancer so I donât really have any worries there, but I was wondering if you had any advice on how to really convey the punchdrunk atmosphere? Anything you think would add to the experience for the audience? Iâd appreciate any advice from you or your followers
What an interesting assignmentâis everyone creating something related to Punchdrunk? Or are all of you choosing a different company as inspiration? I am definitely not the expert here as I am not involved in theater production at all, so please take what I say with a grain of salt. And this is going to be a bit scatter-brained as Iâm just jotting down a few ideasâŚ
That said, I think two incredibly important parts of Punchdrunkâs aesthetic are the sound and the lighting. (Which is a little bit like saying, âWater is wet,â but oh well.) The Punchdrunk shows and workshops I have attended have used and discussed the power of ambient sound and music in the narrative as well as the importance of lighting in creating an intimate feel even in large spaces.Â
There is also a rising level of tension that sort of goes from âwhatâs going on?â ==> âis there a bomb?â ==> âI think thereâs a bomb.â ==> âThere IS a bomb!â ==> âBomb explodes.â This is not PD specific, but is generally good advice for creating an engaging narrative.Â
And then there are the Punchdrunk elements of a masked audience and complete freedom of choice for the audience in terms of exploring a detailed set. That sense of turning a corner and not knowing what I will find is something Iâve not found in any other companyâs work, even ones who are creating great immersive theater. I think that feeling is encouraged by the lighting and the sound and the small physical spaces that are all through the set.
One on one interaction with the audience is not a Punchdrunk exclusive element either, but it certainly adds to a sense of intimacy and risk.Â
âWhat is happening? I donât understand, but itâs amazing!â This is the feeling that I will always associate with Punchdrunk shows, especially the first time I see them.Â
If you want to hear about Punchdrunk from a much better authority than me, just google all the interviews that Felix Barrett, Stephen Dobbie, Maxine Doyle, Pete Higgin, etc. have done over the past 10 years. There are some terrific ones on YouTube.
Fandom-at-large? What do you think?Â