Blog Assessment- Task 1

1) Physical Theatre is a complex subject, there are many definitions and explanations for this genre, yet there is still not a specific defined answer to what it is. A key feature coming from this module was impulse where every lesson would involve some sort of the act of impulse; an urge or sudden and instinctive motive or movement was carried out. In terms of Physical Theatre I am suggesting the impulse of the body, not having the brain take over or control- which the brain automatically does, but have the body lead and move to what it feels rightly to do so. On DV8’s website it says ‘not all decisions that are made in making a piece have completely thought- through reasoning behind them.’ Impulse does not think, it just does with out thought. Through out Process & Performance we used this key feature of impulse, an example of this is at the end of some lessons, the group would sit in a circle. When felt ready to, they would go in the middle and perform, no thinking, just doing. We never knew what we were going to perform, when or who with. It was purely through our bodily impulse, when it felt right to do so.

2) Ana Sanchez- Colberg implies that when trying to define Physical Theatre, the influences of dance and theatre need to be taken into consideration. I agree with this as there is still not a definite answer to what it is and believe there will never be. There will always be a question and further development to the definition of Physical Theatre. The question of whether it is dance or theatre will always be the main point of debate. Ana Sanchez- Colberg says ‘unfolding of narratives through physicalized events’ Unfolding of narratives- This implies the theatre area of physical theatre and physicalized events- suggests the dance aspect. The word dance- refers to the movement of the body to express a certain emotion of feeling. Drama- is action, telling a story or narrative. Breaking down the word PHYSICAL THEATRE, Physical = to move = Dance and Theatre = to act = drama. Therefore sums up for me to believe, that Physical Theatre is a hybrid character and involves both dance and theatre.

3) DV8 is a well known comptempary British performance company. I support Lloyd Nelson the founder of DV8’s view, that impulse and the notion of exploring is important. Exploring how the body moves, but most importantly why, what made the body move in that particular way or direction. DV8’s website explains ‘I seek movement with intention and purpose.’ The company uses there body physically to tell a story or to communicate when they have a message to communicate. ‘I only create when I have something to say… generally about issues that concern or affect my life at a given time’. In Porto it is about our life’s journey from the start to the end. This compliments Lloyd’s opinion as it’s about showing the audience/ public a part of you. An image or snippet of your life. This is one of things that make Physical Theatre so powerful and effective. It’s truthful and comes from the actor’s emotions and body impulse. ‘It is the actor who, rather than hiding behind crutches, must develop, with confidence, this special relationship to the public’. Dennis, A (2004, pg 7-8)

‘It is through the body that the actor is able to articulate the objectives of the theatre.’ Dennis, A (2004, pg 8)

BIBLOGRAPHY

Keefe, J. Murray, S. (2007) Physical theatres: A critical introduction London, Routlegde

Callery, D (2002) Through the body London: Routledge

Dennis, A (2004) The Articulate Body: The Physical Training of the actor London

OTHER SOURCES

www.blackfishacademy.com/physical.htm

www.dv8.co.uk