attitudes of the kingdom

structures for improv and devising

excerpts


full text available upon request

notes on background and practice:

these movement prompts are based on research into Timothy Leary’s 8 Circuit Model of Consciousness and its analogues in mystical traditions around the world. Leary’s work synthesized several ancient and modern eight-part taxonomies, and assigned various domains of life to each of the eight parts. by Leary’s reckoning, the circuits ascend in complexity so that the eighth and final circuit is really only the highest level we can currently imagine. as humanity is able to access higher and higher levels, so our capacity for technological and social development heightens also.

this series uses archetypes to describe the eight circuits. their ordering and linkage to the system is not crucial for their use, rather just the opposite; the distillation of these domains of consciousness into a digestible allegorical form prompts mental association, and opens possibilities for adaptation, innovation, and growth.

think of all the things a King might be: Mufasa, King Henry VIII, Emperor Norton, Elvis Presley, Oberon, Jay-Z. think of how one might be a King without holding the title. consider what a King’s relation might be to his subjects, and what obligations he might hold privately.

for any role one may be studying or piece one might be crafting, these prompts provide an opportunity to practice embodiment. improvise as you will over these themes.

read carefully. find joy in action or in rest. remember: all actions not expressly forbidden are available!

 

 
 

BABY x MAN

contemplation

BabyxManE.jpg
 
 

the man sits in a chair, deep in thought. he does not look at the baby. the baby crawls about on the floor, invested in a world of imagination. he does not look at the man. this scene may not be last in a sequence.

 
 

 

care

mancarebaby.jpg

the man stands and holds the baby in his arms securely. the baby accepts it, resting. they may look at each other.

 

exploration

BabyxMan1.jpg
 
 

the baby holds the man’s hand and leads him about, pointing to various objects around them. he looks forward and out, checking back with the man occasionally. the man follows and observes the objects.


 

Queen’s Monologue

a devised piece based on the attitudes