Rebecca Woodford-Smith is a performance-maker, performer, academic lecturer and researcher based in Wales. Her practice lies between theatre and dance and her work often explores memory and notions of history, and finding ways of using the body to give form to memory. Rebecca collaborates with artists working in a range of disciplines (dance, performance, sound, video and installation), and she has worked with Japanese experimental theatre company Gekidan Kaitaisha (Theatre of Deconstruction) (http://www.kaitaisha.com) on various projects in Europe and Japan since 2004.
Rebecca is a Senior lecturer in Theatre and Performance at Wrexham Glyndŵr University. She has recently completed a practice-based doctoral enquiry at Middlesex University; her research focused on addressing the complexity of the self of the performer as other. Rebecca studied at Aberystwyth University (BA English and Performance Studies), Bristol University (MA Cultural Performance, in collaboration with Welfare State International), and Middlesex University (PhD in Performance Practice, 2009 - 2014). She has trained in ballet, contemporary dance, Butoh, and the Suzuki Method of Actor Training.
Selection of Creative Work
Response to ShoutCry Room, Video installation of solo performance, collaboration with Charles Matthews and Oi Nuen Sprunt, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2014)
From Tokyo: Site/Memory Mapping Project, Sound/video installation, collaboration with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Performance, Place, Possibility: Performance in Contemporary Urban Contexts Symposium, Ludus Festival (2014)
Resounding-Atseinio, work-in-progress performance with Chris Young, Siriol Joyner and Robert Gwyn Davin, DIY Festival, WalesLab Pollinate Residency, National Theatre Wales, Anglesey (2013)
Anglesey to Anyang: Site Memory Mapping Project, work-in-progress sound/video installation with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, DIY Festival, WalesLab Pollinate Residency, National Theatre Wales, Anglesey (2013)
From Tokyo and 5000 Miles and 8 Hours Apart: Site/Memory Mapping Project, Sound/video installations; collaboration with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Aberystwyth Storytelling Festival, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2012)
Response to ShoutCry Room, Solo performance created in collaboration with musician Charles Matthews, in response to ShoutCry Room, by visual artist Oi Nuen Sprunt, New Diorama Theatre, London (2012)
Polytempi, performer, Work-in-progress performance with Noyale Colin, Florence Peake, Steve Tromans and JJ Wheeler, On Collaboration Symposium, Middlesex University (2012)
Jouissance System, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2012)
Tokyo Marathon Walk: Site/Memory Mapping Project, collaborative walking project with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Tokyo, Japan (2012)
PAF Residency, collaboration with Noyale Colin, Performing Arts Forum, St. Erme, France (2011)
Yng Nghysgod Yr Haul, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith in collaboration with Cwmni Dawns Rhuddem Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Theatr Felinfach (2011)
Dream Regime - Era of the Sick, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Morishita Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2011)
Inorganic, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2010)
Of the Sea, director/dramaturge, Swansea Metropolitan University with Memopia Theatre (Cherry Franklin and Rebecca Woodford-Smith), Townhill Theatre, Swansea and Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2010)
Dear Body, performer, Protein Dance, choreographer Luca Silvestrini, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (2009)
Research Phase I for A Horse Bleeding Shakespeare, performer, a new opera by Oscar Edelstein (Composer) & Deborah Claire Procter (Director), Carreg Dressage, Machynlleth (2009)
Research and Development Residency, performer/director, Memopia Theatre , Collaboration with Cherry Franklin, Exeter University (2009)
Dream Regime, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2008)
One White Cloud, performer/director, Memopia Theatre (Cherry Franklin and Rebecca Woodford-Smith), Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (2008)
Bye Bye Reflection, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Owl Spot, Toshima Performing Arts Centre, Tokyo, Japan (2008)
Tokyo Notes (Oriza Hirata), performer, play reading as part of “On the Edge” series, directed by James Tyson, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff; Japan Foundation, London; Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea and Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy (2008)
Dream Regime at Gdansk, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, Teatr Amareya, Teatr Okazjonalny and MONAR, director Shimizu Shinjin/ choreographer Hino Hiruko, Klub Zak, Gdańsk, Poland (2007)
Hen Eiriau Newydd, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Theatr Felinfach (2007)
Final Cut, dancer, Harnishlacey Dance Theatre, choreographer Sandra Harnish-Lacey, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
At a Fortress, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2007)
The Beauty Project, performer, Aberystwyth Arts Centre Production, director Tanushka Marah, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
Exstasis, dancer, ‘Dance Bytes’, Wales Independent Dance, choreographer Ailsa Richardson, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2006)
Memory, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Llandysul (2006)
How to Cross Borders, lecturer/performer, Syzygy, collaboration with Mikyoung Pearce and Jennifer Verson, ‘Towards Tomorrow’ conference, Centre for Performance Research, Aberystwyth (2005)
Dream Regime#3, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Japan Foundation, Tokyo, Japan (2005)
Dream Regime#2, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Pro. Existence Festival, Broellin Schloss, Germany (2004)
Dream Regime#1, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2004)
Four Women and Fifteen Pairs of Wellies, performer/dramaturge, (devised in association with Welfare State International), Ulverston Canal, Cumbria (2003)
George Fox - The Guided Tour, Solo performance, self devised/written, Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston, Cumbria (2003)
Supporting Organisations
Middlesex University Research Studentship (2009 - 2012)
Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund (2010)
Wales Arts International (2005/2007/2011)
Arts Council of Wales/Open Platform Professional Development Scheme (2008)
Arts Council of Wales Professional Development Scheme with Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
Arts and Humanities Research Board (2002/3)
Rebecca is a Senior lecturer in Theatre and Performance at Wrexham Glyndŵr University. She has recently completed a practice-based doctoral enquiry at Middlesex University; her research focused on addressing the complexity of the self of the performer as other. Rebecca studied at Aberystwyth University (BA English and Performance Studies), Bristol University (MA Cultural Performance, in collaboration with Welfare State International), and Middlesex University (PhD in Performance Practice, 2009 - 2014). She has trained in ballet, contemporary dance, Butoh, and the Suzuki Method of Actor Training.
Selection of Creative Work
Response to ShoutCry Room, Video installation of solo performance, collaboration with Charles Matthews and Oi Nuen Sprunt, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2014)
From Tokyo: Site/Memory Mapping Project, Sound/video installation, collaboration with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Performance, Place, Possibility: Performance in Contemporary Urban Contexts Symposium, Ludus Festival (2014)
Resounding-Atseinio, work-in-progress performance with Chris Young, Siriol Joyner and Robert Gwyn Davin, DIY Festival, WalesLab Pollinate Residency, National Theatre Wales, Anglesey (2013)
Anglesey to Anyang: Site Memory Mapping Project, work-in-progress sound/video installation with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, DIY Festival, WalesLab Pollinate Residency, National Theatre Wales, Anglesey (2013)
From Tokyo and 5000 Miles and 8 Hours Apart: Site/Memory Mapping Project, Sound/video installations; collaboration with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Aberystwyth Storytelling Festival, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2012)
Response to ShoutCry Room, Solo performance created in collaboration with musician Charles Matthews, in response to ShoutCry Room, by visual artist Oi Nuen Sprunt, New Diorama Theatre, London (2012)
Polytempi, performer, Work-in-progress performance with Noyale Colin, Florence Peake, Steve Tromans and JJ Wheeler, On Collaboration Symposium, Middlesex University (2012)
Jouissance System, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2012)
Tokyo Marathon Walk: Site/Memory Mapping Project, collaborative walking project with Mikyoung Jun Pearce, Tokyo, Japan (2012)
PAF Residency, collaboration with Noyale Colin, Performing Arts Forum, St. Erme, France (2011)
Yng Nghysgod Yr Haul, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith in collaboration with Cwmni Dawns Rhuddem Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Theatr Felinfach (2011)
Dream Regime - Era of the Sick, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Morishita Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2011)
Inorganic, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2010)
Of the Sea, director/dramaturge, Swansea Metropolitan University with Memopia Theatre (Cherry Franklin and Rebecca Woodford-Smith), Townhill Theatre, Swansea and Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2010)
Dear Body, performer, Protein Dance, choreographer Luca Silvestrini, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (2009)
Research Phase I for A Horse Bleeding Shakespeare, performer, a new opera by Oscar Edelstein (Composer) & Deborah Claire Procter (Director), Carreg Dressage, Machynlleth (2009)
Research and Development Residency, performer/director, Memopia Theatre , Collaboration with Cherry Franklin, Exeter University (2009)
Dream Regime, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2008)
One White Cloud, performer/director, Memopia Theatre (Cherry Franklin and Rebecca Woodford-Smith), Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (2008)
Bye Bye Reflection, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Owl Spot, Toshima Performing Arts Centre, Tokyo, Japan (2008)
Tokyo Notes (Oriza Hirata), performer, play reading as part of “On the Edge” series, directed by James Tyson, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff; Japan Foundation, London; Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea and Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy (2008)
Dream Regime at Gdansk, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, Teatr Amareya, Teatr Okazjonalny and MONAR, director Shimizu Shinjin/ choreographer Hino Hiruko, Klub Zak, Gdańsk, Poland (2007)
Hen Eiriau Newydd, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Theatr Felinfach (2007)
Final Cut, dancer, Harnishlacey Dance Theatre, choreographer Sandra Harnish-Lacey, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
At a Fortress, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Canvas Studio, Tokyo, Japan (2007)
The Beauty Project, performer, Aberystwyth Arts Centre Production, director Tanushka Marah, Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
Exstasis, dancer, ‘Dance Bytes’, Wales Independent Dance, choreographer Ailsa Richardson, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2006)
Memory, dancer, Cwmni Dawns Dwsin y Daith Dance Company, choreographer Catherine Young, Llandysul (2006)
How to Cross Borders, lecturer/performer, Syzygy, collaboration with Mikyoung Pearce and Jennifer Verson, ‘Towards Tomorrow’ conference, Centre for Performance Research, Aberystwyth (2005)
Dream Regime#3, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Japan Foundation, Tokyo, Japan (2005)
Dream Regime#2, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Pro. Existence Festival, Broellin Schloss, Germany (2004)
Dream Regime#1, performer, Gekidan Kaitaisha, director Shimizu Shinjin/choreographer Hino Hiruko, Chapter Theatre, Cardiff (2004)
Four Women and Fifteen Pairs of Wellies, performer/dramaturge, (devised in association with Welfare State International), Ulverston Canal, Cumbria (2003)
George Fox - The Guided Tour, Solo performance, self devised/written, Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston, Cumbria (2003)
Supporting Organisations
Middlesex University Research Studentship (2009 - 2012)
Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund (2010)
Wales Arts International (2005/2007/2011)
Arts Council of Wales/Open Platform Professional Development Scheme (2008)
Arts Council of Wales Professional Development Scheme with Aberystwyth Arts Centre (2007)
Arts and Humanities Research Board (2002/3)