Improvisation with John-Paul Flintoff

“Good improvisers, who accept and work with whatever happens around them, can appear to others to be supernatural”
—John-Paul Flintoff

One of the main reasons we don't achieve as much as we could in life is the belief that we aren't ready. But some people don't seem to be held back that way. They act as if they already have what they need in front of them – and find it in materials that others overlook, situations that others regard as unpromising, and innate personal qualities that others take for granted. This is the skill of improvisation: to accept the world as it is, not with resignation, but playfulness and ingenuity.

John-Paul Flintoff will reveal how improvisation works, from the focused spontaneity of legendary jazz performers to the ingenuity that helped astronauts on Apollo 13 improvise crucial repairs in a moment of grave crisis.

As well as looking at improvisation with “stuff”, we'll examine how impro skills can be used in our personal lives. Drawing on ancient wisdom in the Tao, and the insights of the legendary drama teacher Keith Johnstone, we'll see how we can enjoy playful relationships with the people around us that thrive on collaboration and goodwill.

This fun, interactive session will include a mixture of reflection, discussion and practical exercises.

ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS

Leading writers, economists, historians, philosophers, psychologists, artists and other thinkers offer provocation, inspiration and consolation in the form of advice for living better.

Speakers for this strand have been invited by The School of Life to present their own material. Session formats will vary depending on the subject. Groups are limited to 35 people.