Since 2004, I have immersed myself in the Viewpoints practice, beginning with Anne Bogart and Barney O’Hanlon, then studying with the late Mary Overlie in 2019, the originator of the SixViewpoints practise. Over time I have developed my own insights of the work, informed also by my background as a dancer, Iyengar yoga practitioner, director and improvisor.
This accumulation of lived experiences has profoundly shaped my life and forms the backbone of my movement and directorial work across various training and professional environments.The essence of this practice lies in what is revealed as you engage with the SSTEMS, exploring the Materials: Space, Shape, Time, Movement, and Story, along with The Bridge – a set of nine philosophical interrogations into the nature of performance.
The SixViewpoints offers a space for artistic liberation. It allows practitioners to witness others and the group on both relative and ultimate levels. The focus shifts from originator/generator to observer/participator, asking “What does this work need?” This move from “I” to “we” creates a compassionate space, fostering a unique rigour in performance training.
The goal isn’t to “get it right” but to serve the story, the moment, the world of the composition — it’s relational. For performers and actors, this moving practice builds trust and agency, offering freedom and a platform for their voice. It invites artists to consider what they need to let go of to fully inhabit the present moment.
The deep humanity inherent in this work has driven my daily exploration as a movement practitioner for the past 20 years, continually uncovering new layers of experience and emergent understandings.
For more information about Mary’s work please visit the sixviewpoints.com and if you are intrested in me running a workshop or intensive please get in contact or call 0400098988