From a Glossary of Terms Used by Linda Putnam
Compiled by Marc Diamond, 1991
Expanded by Linda Putnam, 2020
A RIVER is:
enacted physically, when possible
in perpetual motion
originates from a defined or undefined source
a compilation of rhythms driven by imagery
a trance strictly maintained and informed by Principles
A RIVER has:
force/flow
“banks” - environments that define the River
heat/cold/depth/surface tension/danger/release
eddies
tributaries
obstruction/blocks/jams
sound/
inhabitants
A RIVER can:
be intensely personal and or abstracted
go underground
become frozen
thaw
be populated / be empty
have and or be a story/depict real and or imagined history
materialize into characters
have landscape
present moral choices and dilemmas
Do RIVERS in order to:
practice and expand physical skills
develop vocal range
experiment with emotional expression
decipher and expand one’s “image codes”
be a "person" (find inner strength, contact with self)
experience the sheer fun of being physical
connect internal imagery with outside expression
(Grotowski’s “walking the inside - outside line”)
explore the unknown
find a guide and or guidance (the river itself is a guide)
build/practice performance skills
create a character:
from found and or self-scripted text,
develop character history and imagery and language
build the character’s environment
gain entrance to the character through the body
measure one's growth
get acquainted with one's rules
create ensemble
study building ensemble imagery and choreography
learn who one is in, and how to further, an ensemble
