Course Overview

"Heart of the Acrobat" (formerly known as "Heart Gymnastics") is a unique physical performance training system founded by Stephen Wangh, Professor Emeritus of Art at New York University. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Professor Wangh was among the first American students of the renowned Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski in the 1960s. His methodology, detailed in his acclaimed book 'An Acrobat of the Heart, a physical approach to acting inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski', is widely used by acting teachers globally and is recognized as "a genuine theatrical technique for performance."

This is a rare opportunity to participate in an introductory course authorized by Professor Wangh, taught by him personally in Macau, assisted by several "Heart of the Acrobat" teaching assistants.

Course Objectives

This master class utilizes Grotowski's unique physical training methods to help participants learn how to connect their personal psychological and emotional worlds through bodily senses. The course aims to:

• Break down existing psychological barriers.
• Liberate performers from hesitation, fear, and inhibitions that hinder authentic human expression.
• Encourage freedom from self-judgment.
• Develop participants' abilities in listening, reacting, and creating through various exercises.
• Enable participants to develop personalized psycho-physical warm-up routines tailored to their immediate physical and mental state.

Course Details

• Duration: 21 hours total over 6 days.
• Schedule:
  • December 30-31, 2019 & January 1-3, 2020: 20:00–23:00 (Friday session led by teaching assistants).
  • January 4, 2020: 10:00–16:30 (Lunch break 12:30–14:00).
• Language of Instruction: Cantonese and English.
• Venue: Hiu Kok Art Centre, Flat A, 3rd Floor, Hop Wo Industrial Building, 163-165 Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, Macau.
• Fee: MOP 3,500.

Prerequisites & Registration

• Prerequisite: Participants must have completed a beginner-level course.
• Registration Method: Email your personal details (name, contact number) and proof of tuition fee transfer to [email protected]. Registration is only confirmed upon successful transfer.
• Bank Account for Transfer: Bank of China Macau, Account: 183-001-100-126-062, Account Holder: Vong tin ian.

Instructor Profiles

Stephen Wangh

Stephen Wangh began studying performance with Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski in 1967. He has taught physical acting for over 40 years, and his book 'An Acrobat of the Heart' is a standard text for acting teachers worldwide. He taught at New York University for 20 years before receiving Professor Emeritus status and has led performance workshops globally. He is also an award-winning theatre director and playwright, co-writer of the Emmy-nominated film The Laramie Project, and recipient of the Will Glickman Playwright Award.

Vong Tin Ian (Wong Tin Ian)

A stage actor, director, drama educator, and stage combat choreographer. He is the Artistic Director of Friends Creation (Art) Theatre Troupe and a contracted member of Theatre Farmers. He graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Acting. He has studied "Heart of the Acrobat" under Professor Stephen Wangh and is authorized to conduct courses. He is active in the Hong Kong and Macau theatre scene, having participated in over 30 productions. He is also a practitioner and coach of Chen-style Tai Chi and Filipino martial arts (Kali).