Iosp.org
Title
IOSP - International Order of the Sword and Pen
Contact
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- Waterloo ON
- Canada N2K 3P5
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- +1.519884585
Description
The IOSP is a world-wide organization dedicated to the international exchange of information on "staged combat" for theatre, film and television. Based on the principle that staged combat is an art form unto itself, the IOSP combines the study of both historical and present-day socio-cultural influences with theory and specific techniques in order to better inform and explore all aspects violence in performance.
The IOSP's heritage goes back to the father of stage combat, Maestro Patrick "Paddy" Crean. During early-Hollywood's swashbuckling days, Paddy served as Errol Flynn's choreographer and stunt double, arranged fights for such legends as Sir John Geilgud and Sir Alec Guinness, and was directly involved in the formation of organizations devoted to stage combat in both Europe and North America. The IOSP embodies Paddy's respect for the both the artist and the art.
The IOSP holds workshops all over the world, with the marquee event being the Paddy Crean Workshop. Held annually, "The Paddy" has found its home at The Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada. The Paddy has offered everything from historical fencing, military drills, Laban technique and mask work to Zulu stick fighting and Chinese opera. With a faculty and participants drawn from more than a dozen countries and representing every major national fight organization, The Paddy is a truly unique experience.
