Campus Session 20th October and The Tornado of Truths

In usual fashion, a small group of us from all modules travelled to Middlesex for a campus session. We met Adesola and also Helen and began with a basic introduction - who we were, what module we were on and where we currently are within our studies. I really like how although we are all on different modules and at different places in our own study that we can help each other - a little BAPP family if you will.

Adesola began by giving us a visual representation of what our inquiry is. We all have things that matter to us (these are the dots...see image below) but around those are questions. It is by exploring the things that matter to us - within our practice - we can link them using the questions. As a module 2 student it is important that I remember that it is okay to go off on a tangent (if its relevant) but to keep the base ideas (so the dots) running all the way through.

'The Big Question' is where module two's have to start thinking about their inquiry. When I was asked what I had been thinking about, I talked of technology and it's role within the theatre. More specifically, if technology can help those with disabilities access theatre more easily and represent them more truthfully. Helen raised an interesting point 'Is traditional theatre disabling some from being involved?', I like how this question is phrased. It focuses on what I as a theatre technician know most - the theatre and its construction. It became obvious that I need to fully establish what my practice is. I have done so much over the last few months I think that what my practice is has become slightly blurred. I asked myself 'what do I love about what I do?' and its something I'm still brainstorming. I'll admit I still don't know what I want my 'big question' to be, but I aim to use my SIGs more effectively to help me with this decision. During the session Amanda said that she can sometimes tell what route people are taking from how they write, so sometimes an outside set of eyes/opinions can be useful.

We were then asked how we would describe our discussion on the big question to module one students. I worked in a pair with Georgie, we toyed with many ideas including scaffolding and cake. However, I came up with the idea of a tornado. What starts big (our question) then get smaller as we become more specific. The Tornado of Truths.

We phrased it like this:
'Within your practice, what is the biggest question you have about your practice? Your question goes from general to specific the further you look into your own practice and develop it.' All of the little things (questions) picked up along the way will link to the bigger thing.

The Tornado of Truths

As a final talking point we considered the ethics. This lead to a great deal of confusion that we all quickly got sucked into, which was a bit unnecessary as it's not as complicated as we all think. Ethics is something that should be conducted throughout our inquiries, it's a process not a thing. The term 'an informed opinion' is how I've always thought of ethics - and coincidentally Amanda mentioned it. Low and behold that's exactly what it is, its the consideration of all aspects in relation to your questions. I drew a small diagram during the discussion to try and create a visual reference:

In relation to the tornado, what makes the smaller questions around it non-dangerous is its spin. The spin gives everything a relationship so you can approach them safely and with trust. If you don't research into why you have an opinion (so its not informed) then it could cause harm. How do the questions I'm asking inform my opinion - as the diagram shows. Recognise the ethics and articulate them.

As the session drew to a close, we were asked what we found most useful from the session. I found having actual people to talk to and discuss ideas with is invaluable. In discussion with Eleanor after, we both agreed it's difficult to keep a good conversation flowing on the blogs as you don't get a notification if someone has replied to your comment, so I really valued the time to talk to people. With that in mind, I would like to invite and encourage people to add me on Facebook if they want to further discussion or have ideas/questions. We all feel a little lost at times I think and having that reassurance can be helpful and aid your work ethic. Even if our questions/inquiries are different, a new person to give a different perspective can enhance our work and ideas further - it broadens our knowledge and there's no harm in that.