International Physical Theatre Intensive by NIPAI

The International Physical Theatre Intensive, organized by the New International Performing Arts Institute (NIPAI), successfully took place from June 23 to July 13, 2025, in Csurgó, Hungary. The intensive residency brought together artists from diverse backgrounds for three weeks of rigorous physical theatre exploration and collaboration.

Participants engaged in a comprehensive program designed to deepen their physical performance skills through methodologies such as Vsevolod Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, Konstantin Stanislavski’s Physical Action, and Mikhail Chekhov’s Psychological Gesture, alongside the renowned Ostrenko method, which emphasizes physicality, ensemble creation, and expressive clarity on stage.

This year’s intensive attracted a distinguished group of international artists, with professional performers, directors, choreographers, and educators from Greece, Canada, India, Norway, Serbia, China, Japan, Latvia, Ukraine, and Slovenia. Their diverse cultural backgrounds fostered a uniquely rich artistic exchange.

Throughout the residency, participants undertook daily practical training sessions and rehearsals led by esteemed instructors Sergei and Gennadiy Ostrenko, with over 40 years of combined professional experience in theatre direction, choreography, biomechanics, and stage combat, supported by the expertise of dancer and choreographer Xueni Yang.

The program culminated in a compelling performance presented to the local community at Csokonai Közösségi Ház, showcasing the collective creative output from intensive collaborative efforts. Documentation of this transformative process has been captured in a series of three insightful videos, chronicling each week of the intensive.

A participant shared their impactful experience: 

"... it's been an intense, fascinating, and energizing three-week intensive. Great group of people, small but mighty. I’ve learned immensely from Sergei and Gennadiy."

The primary aim of the Physical Theatre Intensive is to nurture professional growth by providing participants with practical skills, advanced methodologies, and international perspectives necessary for excelling in contemporary physical theatre. Additionally, the program offers real-world training in preparing for performances, managing ensemble dynamics, and addressing conflict resolution during the creative process.

For updates on future programs and further opportunities to engage with NIPAI, please explore our other programs and stay connected through our official channels.