Julia Varley (1954, UK) since 1976 is actress at Odin Teatret. Since 1990 she has been involved in the conception and organisation of ISTA (International School of Theatre Anthropology). She is active in The Magdalena Project, a network of women in contemporary theatre of which is a founding member. She directs Transit International Festival and is on the editorial board of The Open Page, a journal devoted to women’s work in theatre. Author of numerous articles and essays and has published five books, among which Stones of Water. Notes of an Odin Actress (Routledge 2011).
Julia Varley reacts to the questions addressed to her by the French scholar Patrice Pavis during a lecture which was held in 1992 for the 7th session of ISTA (International School of Theatre Anthropology) in Brecon and Cardiff. Reflecting on her work as an actress, Varley interrogates crucial aspects such as the observation of other’s work, professionalism, theatre craft, acting techniques, mental process. Furthermore, Varley addresses the notion of “sub-score”, beyond “sub-text”, discussed by ISTA participants and scientific staff.