Back to All Events

Culture is the Body: A Psychophysical Training Course Based on the Suzuki Method


  • VIVA Alliance 403-353 Railway Street Vancouver, BC, V6A 1A4 Canada (map)

Course Description:


The Suzuki Method positions the body as the foundation of expressive storytelling, with physicality as a bridge between internal intention and external action.


Rooted in the philosophy that "Culture is the Body," this method uses disciplined physical exercises as a gateway to unlock deeper emotional, mental, and expressive capabilities. By integrating elements like sound, rhythm, movement, and gestures—universal to diverse cultures—Mehdi Saki introduces innovative practices and choreographies that profoundly enrich the mind-body connection in performance.

Participants will engage in rigorous practices such as stomping drills, slow tenkan movements, and voice-breath exercises that demand mental focus, emotional discipline, and physical precision. These practices help actors connect inner intention with external action.

The program culminates in a collaborative group performance, providing participants an opportunity to embody and demonstrate their enhanced psychophysical awareness in a collective setting.
Offered in Farsi and English, this 7-week training is open to anyone—artists, professionals, or those seeking personal growth. Whether enhancing your career or embracing this as a way of life, this course cultivates presence, resilience, and self-awareness.

Details:

  • Mentor: Mehdi Saki

  • Duration: 7 Weeks (14 Sessions) staring Tuesday January 14, 2025

  • Date and Time: 2-hour sessions, twice a week on Tuesdays 6-8PM and Sundays 11AM-1PM

  • Location: VIVA Alliance, 401-353 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC

  • Requirements: Comfortable/breathable clothing, Knee pads, Training shoes

  • Provided Materials: Tennis ball, Dowel

Fees:

Psychophysical Training Course
VIVA Alliance Members $333.00
Non-Members $370.00
Member's Receive %10 discount
VIVA Alliance Membership
$10.00
Every month
$100.00
Every year

Once you sign up, you'll have access to our discounted prices.

OR

“Culture is the Body" (Non-members)
$370.00
Quantity:
Add To Cart

Spaces are limited to ensure a comfortable and productive environment, so register early to secure your spot!

Schedule:

Weekly Sessions Tuesdays 6:00PM-8:00PM Sundays 11:00AM-1:00PM
Week 1 January 14, 2025 January 19, 2025
Week 2 January 21, 2025 January 26, 2025
Week 3 January 28, 2025 February 2, 2025
Week 4 February 4, 2025 February 9, 2025
Week 5 February 11, 2025 February 16, 2025
Week 6 February 18, 2025 February 23, 2025
Week 7 February 25, 2025 March 2, 2025

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop Psychophysical Integration
Participants will deepen their understanding of the body-mind relationship, learning to align physical action with mental focus to enhance emotional and expressive power.

  2. Enhance Physical and Emotional Presence
Through disciplined exercises, participants will build their ability to command attention, embody emotional truth, and radiate focused energy on stage.

  3. Build Ensemble Synergy
Participants will cultivate awareness of themselves and their fellow performers, strengthening ensemble cohesion through shared physical and mental discipline.

  4. Master Voice-Breath Connection
Participants will learn to harness breath as a bridge between physical and mental expression, enhancing vocal range, control, and resonance.

  5. Adopt a Mindful Practice in life and in Performance
Participants will explore Suzuki’s philosophy as a framework to develop a deeper, mindful approach that integrates physical, mental, and emotional disciplines.

  6. Deliver a Psychophysically Integrated Group Performance
Participants will apply their learning in a final collaborative performance, showcasing how their connection between body, mind, and cultural identity enhances the storytelling experience.

 

We’re thrilled to have you join us for this transformative Journey! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you in class!


 
Previous
Previous
January 12

Long Pose Painting Session

Next
Next
January 18

Vessel Making: A Felting Workshop by Laleh Javaheri