ITI25 Workshop Series: The Imaginative Body — From Tradition to Presence with Remith Ramesh

International performing artist, educator, and ITI graduate Remith Ramesh brings his pedagogy ‘The Imaginative Body’ to Singapore - offered for the first time at ITI. This approach is rooted in Kutiyattam, an ancient theatre and story telling tradition practiced in Kerala, India, as well as contemporary performance practices. It addresses the tension between preserving classical forms and breaking away from them. Participants internalise Kutiyattam principles taught alongside Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting so as to awaken an imaginative, responsive physicality suited to contemporary contexts.

Remith Ramesh is part of the international faculty team at the Schule für Schauspiel Hamburg, Germany and visiting faculty at the University of Hyderabad, India. 

Lesson Plan

Core Focus Areas:

1. Understanding the Neutral Body
   Exploring basic movements of Kutiyattam and understanding how a neutral body functions in performance.
   

2. Character Exploration
   Investigating character through Kutiyattam principles, focusing on internalising form rather than external imitation.
   

3. The Performative Body
   Engaging the imaginative and creative space of Kutiyattam alongside Michael Chekhov’s approach to develop a responsive and performative physicality.
   

4. Text in Contemporary Context
   Working with text using transitive verbs to embody action and intention, translating classical principles into contemporary performance practice.
   

Objective:
To develop a responsive and imaginative performer by integrating principles of Kutiyattam with contemporary performance techniques. The work aims to help participants discover a neutral and performative body, explore character physically, and apply embodied principles to text, bridging classical form and contemporary performance practice.

Outcome:
By the end of the workshop, participants will understand how a neutral body operates in performance, explore character through embodied principles, and apply imaginative physicality to text. They will gain practical tools to connect classical forms with contemporary contexts, strengthening their physical awareness and stage presence.

Event Details

Date & Time:

• 10 Apr, Fri, 7 PM – 10 PM
• 11 Apr, Sat, 2 PM – 5 PM
• 17 Apr, Fri, 7 PM – 10 PM
• 18 Apr, Sat, 2 PM – 5 PM

Total duration: 12 hours

Medium of instruction: English

Venue:
Intercultural Theatre Institute, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120

Limited to 18 pax. Selected participants will be notified.

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Fee: $250
Discounts:
25% for Students and NSFs
25% for Open House 2026 participants

This workshop is SkillsFuture Credit-eligible.

All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their $500 SkillsFuture Credit from the government to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses, including this course! Visit the SkillsFuture Credit website (www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/credit) for more details.
Course Number: TGS-2026062305
ITI UEN: 200818680E

REGISTER HERE

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Requirements:

• Open to all levels
• Actors, dancers, singers and anyone with an interest in theatre are welcome
• Minimum age of 17
• Attendance for all sessions
• Comfortable clothing for movement
• Prepare a monologue of your choice and memorise it

About the Instructor

Remith Ramesh is an actor, theatre maker, and Kutiyattam practitioner trained at Kerala Kalamandalam, and a graduate of the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI), Singapore. He has performed over 300 times on stages internationally, and his work spans acting, directing, and intercultural collaborations with renowned companies such as Théâtre du Soleil, ARTA, Michael Chekhov Europe, Encounter Theatre Australia, Potluck Theatre Japan, Undercurrent Theatre Australia, and Théâtre de la Feuille Hong Kong.

Remith teaches Kutiyattam globally, bridging Asian performance traditions with contemporary theatre practices. He is a recipient of two National Awards for his contributions to the arts. Formerly an Assistant Professor at GITAM University, he is currently a visiting faculty member at the Schule für Schauspiel Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Hyderabad. His artistic practice focuses on storytelling through the body, blending classical forms with contemporary narratives.

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

In the event that a registered participant decides to withdraw from the workshop, the following conditions will be applied:

• The participant is eligible for a 50% refund, provided that the notice of withdrawal is received more than 7 days prior to the workshop's starting date.
• No refund will be issued if the notice of withdrawal is received 7 days or less from the starting date of the workshop.

Minimum Registration

• For the workshop to proceed as scheduled, a minimum of 50% workshop capacity is necessary. We retain the right to cancel any workshop if the minimum registration requirement is not met. In the unlikely scenario where we must cancel the workshop for which you have registered, you will receive a complete refund of the fees paid, when applicable.

Photography and Videography

• Photography and/or videography may be conducted by ITI for publicity and archival purposes. If you do not wish to appear in publicity materials, please write in to community@iti.edu.sg . Unauthorised photography, audio, or video recording is strictly prohibited during the workshop unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Health and Physical Consideration

• This workshop may involve moderate physical demands. If you currently have or have had any physical impairments, or if you are taking medications that might affect your ability to participate fully, please consult with us before registering.
• Except for any conditions disclosed to us in writing, you warrant that you are adequately fit and healthy to engage in the training and activities offered in this workshop. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify us against any expenses, losses, or damages resulting from a breach of this warranty.
• To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please write in to us at community@iti.edu.sg

REGISTER HERE