This lecture will focus on the themes of organic and mechanic rhythms in action. Morris will discuss the ways these two notions intersect and inform the ways rhythm is encountered and embodied within performance. What can the etymology of rhythm reveal about the metaphors and meanings associated with this term? And what are some of the practical and creative implications of these understandings in embodied action? This discussion will draw on historical and practice based research into rhythm in acting and performance, with the presentation also including practical demonstrations of the some of the practical applications of these principles in music, movement and spoken language.

Eilon Morris

Based in Glasgow, Eilon Morris works internationally as an actor, percussionist and educator. In 2017 he published his first book, Rhythm in Acting and Performance (Methuen), building on his PhD and Masters research at University of Huddersfield (2008, 2013). Eilon is also a core member of performance companies: DUENDE, ICEBERG and OBRA Theatre Co, as well as an associate artist at Whitestone Arts. He was a founding member of the Quiddity Ensemble (2001-2004) and the Butterfly Club Pocket Theatre (1998-2002) in Melbourne Australia, and since relocating to the UK in 2004, has worked on productions including Day of the Living (Royal Shakespeare Company), Lord of the Flies (BBC Radio Drama), These Trees are Made of Blood (Southwark Playhouse and Arcola Theatre), Gaudete (OBRA), Le Voyage dans la Lune (BFI), Shattering Man (DUENDE), and Rhein (Royal Festival Hall), as well as touring and recording with music groups including Stems and Whyte.Eilon has also taught and presented research at cultural and educational centres including Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College, University of Kent (UK) the Duende School of Ensemble Physical Theatre (Greece), Au Brana Cultural Centre (France), Baratza Aretoa (Basque Country), Université Laval, Québec City (Canada), Taller de Investigación Teatral (Mexico) and Universidad Nacional de las Artes (Argentina).