Indecent
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
2019
Shayna Blass, Rebecca Frank
Staging Intimacy
Having been a performer, choreographer, teacher and birth doula for many years, Sarah understands the importance of communication, true (informed) consent,
and creating intimate, brave spaces, even amidst a crowded room.
She's seen firsthand the beneficial effects of holding space for others during moments of great intimacy, while also witnessing the very detrimental effects and trauma that can occur
when that space feels unsafe or violated.
"When artists are encouraged to have agency and voice to establish boundaries during a creative process, they are more likely to explore those boundaries, which leads to better art and more specific storytelling. On the contrary, when artists feel unsafe, at best we can’t explore fully because actions can become timid, and at worst extremely negative emotions can be harbored, ultimately affecting the quality of the work and the quality of life for those working on the piece. Past traumas can be triggered, new trauma created, and both short and long term mental, emotional, and physical health can suffer.
The use of intimacy direction allows us to care for artists as whole people, while creating work with greater specificity, depth, and honesty."
Rebecca Frank & Shayna Blass
Indecent, OSF 2019
Sarah speaking on intimacy direction for OSF's How to Catch Creation