The audio cast series where Robert has conversations with improvisers working across performing and multidisciplinary arts. You’ll hear him talking to dance and theatre artists as well as those arts practitioners who are working with improvisation more broadly. Interviews with Improvisers stems from Robert's interest in the relationship between voicing and dancing.
In this interview, the esteemed improviser and educator Andrew Morrish reflects on his extensive career spanning over four decades. From his humble beginnings in South Wales and moving to Australia at a young age, Morrish discusses his journey into the world of dance and improvisation, starting with his encounter with American teacher Al Wonder in 1981. He elaborates on his unique approach that blends language and movement, the influence of working with Peter Trotman, and the evolution of his teaching techniques. Morrish also touches on the political and subversive nature of improvisation and shares his recent initiatives, including online improvisational gatherings. Through personal anecdotes and profound insights, Morrish offers a rich tapestry of his life's work and his continuous development as an artist.
In Andrew Morrish’s 45-year career in the arts he has been a performer, teacher, facilitator, mentor and advocate for a range of practices including improvisation, performance, dance education, dance therapy and dance research. He became freelance in 1993 after 20 years of full-time employment as a public servant and teacher. From 1993 to 2001 he combined sessional teaching in tertiary institutions in Melbourne, working in street theatre ensembles, and developing his performing practice as a member of the improvisational duet “Trotman and Morrish”. From 2001 to 2020 he worked exclusively in his Performance Improvisation practice, touring through Europe and Australia performing, sharing practice, mentoring and teaching. He is now based in East Gippsland, in the south east corner of Australia, and continues his solo practice and individual coaching in Australia and Europe, on-line.
00:00 Introduction to Andrew Morrish
01:20 Early Life and Journey to Australia
01:33 Discovering Dance and Improvisation
02:22 Teaching and Dance Special Education
03:29 Collaboration with Al Wonder
04:12 Dance Therapy and Improvisation
07:15 Partnership with Peter Trotman
13:45 Teaching Improvisation in Europe
15:29 Developing a Unique Teaching Style
16:58 Performing and Teaching Globally
19:00 Reflections on Improvisation and Content
31:48 Exploring Improvisation: A Deeper Dive
32:24 The Essence of Improvisation: Interaction and Emergence
33:23 Balancing Control and Allowance in Improvisation
34:14 The Role of Attention in Artistic Expression
39:25 Character and Narrative in Improvisation
47:52 The Political Nature of Improvisation
53:21 Community and Connection in the Improvisation World
55:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Website: www.andrewmorrish.com
