One of Europe's leading theatre directors, Eugenio Barba, will be in Dublin at the beginning of August for a three-day symposium of workshops, demonstrations and a public interview. The guest of Loose Canon Theatre Company, Barba will lead a workshop for actors and directors based on the principles of physical and vocal actions as practised by his experimental company, Odin Teatret. He will be joined by actor Julia Varley, also from the Odin ensemble, which is based in northern Denmark. Barba, from Brindisi, Italy, trained with Grotowski in the 1960s and has written a number of books on acting techniques, including The Secret Art of the Actor. On August 4th, he will participate in a public interview with Loose Canon's artistic director, Jason Byrne, as part of the Arts Council's Critical Voices programme, in conjunction with The Irish Times and Lyric FM. (Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College Dublin, August 2nd-4th. Workshop fee: £100. Further information from 01-6606012 or info@loosecanon.com)

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