DCTV and Open-Azathoth

Dynamic Configuration and Transversal Video is a practice-based research methodology devised by Ben Spatz. For further information:

https://punctumbooks.com/titles/making-a-laboratory-dynamic-configurations-with-transversal-video/.

Throughout the process, we can distinguish between several different implementations. In this beat, we see variations of:

Moving and Witnessing.

Moving on from an emphasis on directorship, we focus on a division between witnessing and moving. Each session involving two or three practitioners moving, playing freely with the evolving aesthetic and practices of Azathoth, with the rest witnessing. Pausing to discuss between sessions allowed us to gradually specify the approach, and mark territories of knowledge – tools, images, relations, and so on – to attend to. This approach and its terminology draw on the practice of Authentic Movement.

Utilizing Dynamic Configuration notation, we can mark these sessions as: [A B C] | D. That is, three participants act as practitioners within the practice space, while the fourth practitioner acts as a witness. Variations include duets, [A B] | C D, and solos, [A] | B C D. To notate sessions where one witness would choose music to accompany the practice: [A B ] < C | D. (Note that the vertical line would usually indicate the role of videographer, while here it indicates the role of witness.)

5: Trio 1