‘What is tension and how can I create this?’ It is the question every performing artist asks himself over and over in his working process. The elusiveness of this phenomenon as well as the fact that it sometimes arises out of an impulsive, intuitive action, makes the creator trust his ‘gut feeling’.
This research wants to define and map the mechanics of how tensions arises. However, there are just a few or no benchmarks for the terminology in theater practice. Therefor this research wants to come to a well-defined concept of ‘dramatical tension’ through masterclasses with students of the conservatorium and the UA and through salons with experts from other fields. The results will be tested in a theater performance and collected in a study book. In that way, this research wants to provide makers, students, teachers and critics with the necessary tools to promote their practice.
The title The heel of Tintin is a wink to the master in suspense, Hergé. He draws for example only Tintin’s heel in the lower right corner of his frame, which puts the focus on the reaction of the laggard while the actual action takes place outside of the frame. That way Tintin is not only his fellow player but he also plays tricks with the audience while leaving everyone behind ‘in suspense’.
Promoters: Bert Danckaert & Kurt Vanhoutte
