Ron Athey & Michele Occelli lead an intensive 5 day process exploring automatistic modes of performing through hypnosis, trance movement, mortification of the flesh and pageantry.
This will be a deep-dive into the practices of automatic writing, somatics, hypnosis and procession that Ron Athey has used in performance making since 1995. We’ll explore the modular sacred theatre, talismanic signatures and the place of bodily fluids in contemporary performance, along with exercises and tasks drawn from Athey’s current research.
The workshop is co-facilitated by Athey’s long-term collaborator Michele Occelli, whose work explores hypnosis as creative practice and altered states as gateways into the mind-body connection.
There will be morning lectures, with guest artists to be announced.
Wednesday 11 – Sunday 15 November 2026, 10.30 – 17.00 daily
>collaborators: Ron Athey> collaborators: Michele Occelli
Who is this for?
Constructing Phenomena [iii] is intended for performers, body artists, experimental artists and researchers with experience in performance art, live art, dance, theatre, choreography, and body-based performance practices.
This is a rare opportunity to get in deep with bold, esoteric artistic practices. We suggest potential participants familiarse themselves with the practices of the faciltators before booking.
AccessibilityThe studio is located on the second floor of the Bussey Building, a former industrial warehouse.
Regrettably, there is currently no lift access to this studio and the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
> further studio accessibility info
If you would like more information to make a decision about joining the process or who would like to explore adaptations together to contact us by email ([email protected]).
To Participate
We are experimenting with a new sliding scale for pricing. Use the codes below to access the lower priced places.
- £590 – If you have external funding or are financially secure, you are comfortably able to afford modest luxuries like overseas holidays or to set money aside in savings.
- £450 – If you have a reliable source of income that more than covers your basic financial needs, you don’t have to worry about the costs of nights out. Code: SS450
- £360 – If your income covers your needs with some left over, but you budget consciously and wouldn’t describe yourself as financially secure. Code: SS360
- £210 – If you work for minimum wage or have a similarly low & precarious income. The number of the lowest tier places on this workshop is limited to four. Code: CP210
There is the option to pay a £150 deposit, with the balance payable one month before the workshop, or to pay the full amount now.
Please note that deposits are non-refundable if you have to cancel your place.
However, if you have paid the full amount and need to cancel your place we will refund you the balance (price minus deposit), as long as cancellation is more than 4 weeks before the workshop (14 Octo). Cancellations less than 4 weeks before the workshop are non-refundable.