Tanya is a student who previously attended GlosCol and is now in University. She has experience in the areas of devising and movement techniques.
The workshop started with yoga and stretching exercises. Relaxation is important to performing as it reduces tension and opens the imagination. It allows performers to enter a neutral state, making them not only more fluid in body, but in mind.
The main technique used in Tanya's workshop was Lecoq's, 7 Levels of Tension. We had previously explored the technique with Sonia, so we had some awareness of the practice. We 1st used a series of natural exercises such as walking, that would involve using various of levels of tension. Scenes were incorporated to create context and allow us to create natural characters. An example would be a subway scene, where there are people rushing to catch a train, An exercise also involved reacting to eye contact and other stimuli. This is encourages the actor to be more instinctive (acting on impulse) and responsive (responding to stimuli, audience reactions), but also to train control over movements.
The final exercise involved using our understanding of tension to create characters for specific scenes. The group was asked to perform a wedding scene. We would 1st play out the scene using our own pre-determined set of tension for each character. We then repeated the exercise with the same characters but using contrasting levels of tension. This changed the outcome of the scene. Therefore, the 7 levels of tension can be useful for creating characters and for changing the dynamic of the scene. The scenes can be improvised by these simple changes. If the characters have contrasting levels of tension, there are also more responsive to each other. If the characters have equal levels, it changes the tempo and energy of the scene.
The 7 levels of tension are very basic and it's in this simplicity and subtlety that most is gained. It trains the actor with a better understanding of finer movements and emotional expression. The contrasts are useful for providing a guideline of the actors expression. Despite its simplicity, a change in tension in one character can completely change the dynamic and outcome of the scene. It is therefore a very useful tool for an actor to explore this technique.
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