Dimitris
Varkas
Actor Performer Teacher
photo by Mateusz Bral
About me
I am an actor, physical theatre performer, movement trainer and acting teacher from Greece who has worked and toured internationally all over Europe, the UK, Georgia, Russia, China, Korea, Israel and the USA – I have performed in various theatre festivals and venues such as The Globe Theatre in London, U.K., Shakespeare by Hamletscenen at the Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, Denmark, The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival in Poland, at the Theatre Olympics and Brave Festival in Wroclaw, Poland, at the Wuzhen Theatre Festival in China, and many more. Working in Theatre Arts for the past 16 years has sparked my interest in acting techniques and the performer’s energy, therefore, I have been developing my own acting methods. My research focuses on awakening the performer’s energy, individual and ensemble movement training, traditional forms of expression as performer training tools, and text and soundscape acting training. In my work I put special attention to actor and student physical wellbeing through carefully designed warmups and proper physical preparation. I teach workshops, as well as regular classes in acting schools, university departments, and for professional performers.
photo by Lucy Lopata
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"I had the great pleasure to work with the wonderful Dimitris in Wroclaw Poland. I trained for three months at ‘The Bral School’ with Song of the Goat Theatre, for which he is a key actor and teacher. Dimitris has a deep knowledge and experience of theatre and performance which, coupled with his sensitivity to others, makes exploring physical and ensemble work with him a dream. I thoroughly enjoyed his approach to text working with soundscape, origins and physicality of sounds and the exploration of Ancient Greek. A strong and supportive leader he opens up the space for creativity and curiosity, a deep listening and partnership of body-mind and action. I highly recommend working with Dimitris and look forward to joining him again soon for more fun and exploration into performance."
Alice Wolff-Whitehouse
Actress-Musician
"Dimitris is an exceptional performer and teacher. Attending his workshops was an invaluable experience for me. I learned lots of interesting techniques and approaches to text, sound, movement and ensemble. Dimitris places great emphasis on being ‘present’ and ‘ready’ in the moment. And through exercises, and his own example, we learned how to generate the heightened, expansive energy and presence that is required for a performer on the stage. Also, I was able to learn about timing and connecting with the other members of the group to find out/ ask – how is it possible to be part of an ensemble? What is required? Dimitris has a real, perhaps instinctive, understanding of how to direct an ensemble, and being a part of his classes has equipped me practical exercises, techniques and also ideas that have stayed with me, and that I regularly use in my own work. There is a lot of space for enquiry and openness to discover new things. More importantly, Dimitris is a very compassionate teacher and allows everyone space to grow and find their authenticity as people and performers. I hope I shall continue to have the opportunity to work with him."
Freny Pavri
Actress-Musician
