Reflecting on the “Laboratory of Theatrical Practices” with Sofia Cabrita.

From April 28th to 30th, 2025, students and participants gathered at JGU for an inspiring three-day Laboratory of Theatrical Practices, led by actress and director Sofia Cabrita. The workshop, offered by the SFB1551 IRTG offered 12 hours of dynamic, hands-on training in key aspects of theatrical practice, including improvisation, active listening, and the relationship between movement and text.

Each day featured a rich program of warm-ups, group exercises, creative exploration, and reflection. Participants engaged in activities such as:

• Exploring impulse and improvisation

• Understanding the interplay of gesture and language

• Developing short performances in small groups

• Collectively reflecting on their artistic process

The final day culminated in a insightful sharing session, where participants presented micro-performances developed during the workshop, followed by a group reflection that highlighted the collaborative and transformative spirit of the experience.

We thank Sofia Cabrita for her inspiring guidance and to all participants for their engaged and generous contributions. Beyond offering a space for creative exploration, the Laboratory of Theatrical Practices opened up valuable dialogue between artistic methodologies and scientific inquiry. Through embodied exercises, improvisation, and reflection, the workshop fostered a deeper understanding of communication, perception, and human interaction — themes that resonate across disciplines and offer fertile ground for interdisciplinary research and academic exploration.

Lastly, we appreciate the support from Luis Antelo, Karsten Andersen and Eckhard Thines for providing the IBWF room for the workshop.