Background
Physical Theatre is a fairly modern genre of performances. Companies such as DV8, Pina Bausch and Frantic assembly have become renowned and may have worked in other areas of performance. However, it could be argued that Physical Theatre could go back to practitioners such as Meyerhold, Le Coq and Copeau. These practitioners focused on physical performances, that often used clown like performers. Le Coq devised the technique known as the '7 Levels of Tension' that has been used by Physical Theatre practitioners such as Theatre de Complicite. The practitioners often used a clown like character known as a Harlequin. The Harlequin is mischievous and gymnastic character and for example, would cause trouble between other characters in a Meyerhold Play. However, the Harlequin is a character from Commedia Dell'arte, which is a renaissance era performing style. The character has essentially been picked out from the style and made a focus of the practitioners. Therefore, it can be argued that the early origins of physical theatre dates back to Commedia. It's also where the term 'slap stick' orginates.
Physical Theatre is a style that literally means it's physical. The performance needs to be physical challenging. Examples of physically challenging could be the use of techniques such as wall walking or flying, that are physically challenging. It could mean intense movement, such as simple movements like running, climbing, jumping. A fight or brawl that is actually physical, more like wrestling than acting would be typical of physical theatre. There is no right or wrong, but the idea is that their will be physical intense action and the performers will literally feel drained. There are also other details that are common to physical theatre. One common trend in the style is the use of repetition of a repeated gesture. The gesture will be performed randomly or numerously. Each performer may performer the same gesture, or the performer may have their own gesture. Another common element is symbology. Religious symbols or cultural iconography will be placed within the performance of the story. Pushing it to the edge is a important element of the style. By putting themselves in challenging situations actors are able to truly express feelings such as fatigue. The actors will play characters who are aligned to the symbolic nature of the story. Overall, there is no right or wrong, just play and perform with physical intensity. There doesn't even need to be any dialogue.
Practioners
Pina Bausch
I had been recommended reviewing Pina Bausch and some of her performances. She is a good example of a unique style of physical performance. I watched Seasons March Dance' to gain incite into the style. The performance utilises repetition and gesture in the performance. The same actions are performed by all of the actors. The production is also interesting as it follows the actors through several locations. Although the scenery changes, the actors continue with the same actions throughout. The scene locations vary from dark, dingy rooms, to broad, open countryside. This is fascinating and is something I would like to incorporate in my performance.
Frantic Assembly
'The curious incident of a dog in the night time' is a stage production which Frantic Assembly were involved in the choreography of he performance. The story is interesting as it follows the journey of an autistic boy as he travels to London. It shows situations such as being in a subway station an other incidents in his life. Rather than being accurately representative. The performance brings to life the internal dilemma of the boy. I was influenced by this in creating idea's for my performance. I though of expressing a physical of mental illness with physical theatre.
I had some familiarity with Frantic Assembly as I had previously studied their techniques. I had been interested in techniques such s Flying, wall walking and the touch workshop. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to practice these techniques in a student workshop. It was intriguing to see how the wall walking techniques had been used in 'The curious incident of a dog in the night time'.
DV8
Strange Fish is an example of Physical Theatre that I have watched for my studies. The piece is symbolic and telling of a story. The story is open to interpretation as dialogue is not used to progress the story and the action is not 'realistic'. The story could be interpreted as a form of mating ritual, showing an example of relationships rituals that are metaphors of real life. The men's behaviour being examples of the externalisation of their inner being. The woman is religious or has a connection to a divine being (female Jesus) and is rebelling against her god. This film is a good example, because the characters actions are contrast of real life. No movement is typical and could be performed to be artistic, to be challenging or to express, to be metaphorical, or to display emotion. There is a sample when the lead is dragging the man's body, where she uses her leg to drag the man across the floor. The action is performed in this manner, because is is unconventional or representing the challenge or the burden of their relationships. When the Jesus figure dies at the end, it could be representative of the character losing her beliefs, spirituality or the connection she held with the divine figure. There is little dialogue throughout as the actions and changes in scenery drive the story. Music with vocals is used to enhance the visual element, adding to the divine element of the performance. I was already familiar with this music so aided my curiosity in the piece. I liked how people were symbolic such as the 'man with excellent social skills' becoming metaphoric representation of such character by climbing between people. He is trying to connect with people with over enthusiasm but once he is with someone, he then forces them away with his unusual behaviour. Although this scene was humourus the later scenes become darker. I can take a lot from this performance such as the primal actions and the symbolic nature of the scenes.
Forced Entertainment
"Bloody Mess"
Although I was fairly familiar with a number of physical theatre practitioners and their techniques, such as Frantic Assembly, I had not delved deeply in familiarising myself with actual performances. I was recommended to watch some productions by the company Bloody Mess to provide some ideas and incite. I watched Bloody Mess and this was possibly one of my favourite physical theatre performances. I was extremely interesting as it started of with an introduction of the characters, each spending time discussing their personal life of mocking other characters. Some of the characters said nothing whilst others were interruptive. I like how some characters wore 'normal' clothes where others were more eccentrically dressed such as being dressed as a clown. One of the clowns was actual the serious and straight character and acted as a narrator. The performance breaks into a party scene with actors becoming drunk and disorderly. The clown starts to discuss to tell a story on the creation of the universe whilst speaking to the audience. The crowd of characters had become erratic but their actions begin to match the words of the clown. The crowd transform into what now resembles a solar system or the cosmos. It was extremely creative how the performers moved and changed to the story. This performance is therefore fascinating in its approach. I had an idea from this where I could use references from genesis or create an origin story and base a performance around this.
Kneehigh Theatre
The Neon SHadow is possibly the first physical theatre production I encountered. It has a very interesting style that immediately stands out. The colour of the scene is all white, having a paper like appearance. The scene is based in a room and evolves around a characters who is mentally trapped within the room. Their anxiety drives them to stay imprisoned, but creates a 'neon' shadow which instead goes out into the world and lives the life that they are too afraid to live. The character uses the room like an obstacle course climbing around the furniture. Their is a dance like style to the performance, an interesting piece is where the performer is using the bedding as part of the dance.
Chair Duets:
Chair Duets is a simple method of devising a physical theatre performance piece. The movements can vary from elegant to forceful. I have used this technique before in a workshop in class. We devised a choreographed scene based around music.
Modern Physical Theatre
Due to physical theatre being an non distinct style, it may not be possible to find companies that are considered pure physical theatre. It is also possible that physical theatre companies skills may be utilised within other styles, but they may not be known to the general public. Physical theatre is also a niche style. It is not a style of performance that may appeal to a mainstream audience. However, the style is so flexible that there is great potential for this style to be attractive to an audience. An example is music videos, where a physical theatre style performance is used with music. Due to the flexible nature of the style is possible that many styles are considered to be under the umbrella of physical theatre. For example, in the modern era, fright fest has become a popular immersive performance style. The performers are dressed as monsters are various creepy characters and use physical action to intimidate visitors. In films, there are monsters and various other creatures. The performers playing these characters will utilise physical theatre techniques and style to perform as these creatures. Therefore, there is opportunity as a performer in this style to find work within the industry. There is three ways to move forward. To work with existing companies. To create a new company and use a new form and style of performance, targeting a specific audience. To work in film and tv, playing roles that are purely physical in nature.
However, even though physical theatre is very niche, or part of other theatre styles, there are renowned companies that are known globally.
Punch Drunk
Punchdrunk theatre are a physical theatre company that use an immersive performance style. The style is somewhat similar to that of fright mare, where the performers are situated in many rooms. The audience move through each room and the room is configured into a scene. Unlike Frightmare, the performance may be of varied stories or even adaption from existing plays. The style allows the audience to become in proximity of the actors making the performance more engaging.
Gecko Theatre
Gecko theatre are a physical theatre company that are currently touring the UK. Their performance style and theme is completely surreal and immersive. Their production are very large scale and the company will put as much effort into creating an extremely immersive set that aims to bring the audience within the world of the characters. The company has strong values and ethics and are focused in areas such as diversity, equality and inclusivity. Their stories are focused on exploring real life situations through the lens of their unique style of performance. The company is offers workshop that are aimed at performers who want to develop and learn techniques within physical theatre.
Back to The Future
As a performer, I feel there is a lot of opportunity to develop with in this genre. The style is niche, but their will always be a target audience with this style. The companies are founded in strong ethics which makes it appealing for 3rd parties to affiliate with them. The performance style is varying and flexible which allows stories to be portrayed in unusual ways, perhaps the production will feel representative if the inner workings of the human mind rather than a real world representation. The style is often immersive and allows the audience to be close to the actors. This makes the style engaging and therefore, if a talented company is able to become known to an audience, they will be able to grow within the industry. The styles flexibility and style means that it can be adjusted to different platforms and locations. The style works both live and on film. The style can be catered around the environment. The budget demands do not have to be the same as other productions. Even if physical theatre in it's purest form, become defunct style, it will live on through other genre's. The style is constantly evolving and adapting, harnessing the use of new technologies or alternative venues. In fact, physical theatre is is possibly the most definitive example of a performance style that can be classified as 'avant garde'. This future proofs a performer in this style. As long as the performer is physically capable, there will always be work for someone who is trained and experienced in physical theatre. There is opportunity in other performance styles such as film or fright mare. There is opportunity to work or train with existing companies. There are platforms for which to engage with audiences via 3rd part organisations such as schools, or by using social media to share performances.
Accessibility
Many companies that practice physical theatre are focused on accessibility. Companies such as DV8 are known to use performers which physical disabilities. Not only are they raising awareness, but also providing a platform for a wider range of performers. Another area which physical theatre is particularly strong is within the deaf community. Their are companies that specialise in in performances for the hearing impaired. Physical Theatre has the potential appeal for a deaf audience because it does not require dialogue, can be immersive, and expresses through action. Therefore the focus becomes on physical communication and interpretation. The actors and audience can focus on the actions of the performance and read the story via the actions and visual changes.
Deafinitely Theatre (https://www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk/) are example of a theatre company that specialise in producing theatre for hearing and the deaf community. They use BSL in their performances in order to be able to communicate effectively with the audience. They aim the raise awareness on issues faced with living with the disability.
Devising + Play
I set up a stage piece as a starting point for devising. I had no idea where to begin so I felt just to try some physical performance. I thought a stage and table would be could to jump around and climb on. I used the edge of the stage as a pathway. I balanced close on the edge and it was physically challenging. Although not in danger, I felt I could fall anytime. I tried climbing on the underside of the stage. It may be possible starting on the floor, but it did not feel possible climbing between top and bottom without resting on the floor. It opened up new ideas for entry and performance expectations.
I went further with this set up. I dressed the stage by putting on a table and skirting. I felt this gave my more to play with and created a scene. I thought that I could start under the blanket or hidden under the stage. I climbed onto the stage from underneath. I used mainly my arms for this as it was more challenging. I liked this effect. I want to explore the stage entrance. I am considering adding more props or scenery for which to use.
The theme for this is like 'a one man party'. I rearrange the cups in an OCD manner. I am angry because the order is wrong. I liked the effect of he cups flying and the sound they made. I am not sure if I will continue with this but it could be effective. However, I used the cups like a phone, as you do. Sonia and I discussed the idea of me going about my business until I an interrupted by a phone call. However, I do not know where the phone is and finding the phone or searching for the noise is part of the performance.
I decided to try a different setup from before. With this, I would use the cubes as part of the stage. The cubes may either be on the stage or scattered about. I thought that collecting or rearranging them could be integrated into the performance. I also thought that jumping between them is an idea, but at times it felt too risky due to sliding. I added some extra features to the scene, such as placing a balance beam. The beam can be walked across, jumped over or crawled under.
I feel this is becoming a play ground , somewhere I can perform a piece. I am intrigued of using the tv to break the scene, as a portal to another scene. I would perform similarish routines but in different locations.
Group Experiment
As part of the process, I set up a scene with various props and ask the class the play. We climbed over the stage and utilised the various props. The scene had a reminiscence of being at primary school, where we had access to a play area in class. We would pretend to be pirates, knights or astronauts.
Each of us climbed over objects, messed around and semi devised a performance. We tried different arrangements of the scene. We discussed how the class could be integrated. One idea is that I would be on the stage and they would be on the floor. There would be some routine involving me collecting the cubes and arranging them and the class would steal the cubes.
We tried different methods of moving the cubes. It was interesting how each person moved. I liked the more active or dancelike styles. I tried to move the cubes across the room exclusively using my legs to drag the cube and lift it onto the stage. I wasn't able to at the time, but could probably do it with some practice. I felt this is a different approach, using a handicap within the performance, like not being able to use arms or legs. Not allowed to walk. Certain areas restricted.
'Slide Experiment'
As part of the process, the class helped me work on a slide idea I had thought of. It was fun the build and interesting the explore. It's possible to make it part of a play ground scene. I felt I was pusing the possibilities of what was available to me. I was s sign that I was entering the right mentaility into a child like state.
Stage Entrance Experiment
I liked the concept of a previous scene, where I have a stage set up with a table, bed, some props. I would explore the scene as before. However, I needed an entrance. I thought it would be interesting if I could somehow come up between stage sections. I knew the black drapes would be ideal for the floor, as they are heavy and can be fixed in place. I placed 2x1 baton over a gap between stage sections. I used boxed to ensure their was enough space. I placed 2 drapes over the stage. I would also use yoga mats under the drapes to provide additional support. I placed the table and other objects over the gap to create an illusion of solidity. To perform, I climbed into a gap between the stage sections. I then found the gap between the drapes and forced my way through the gap. It was quite challenging as the space was tight, it was dark and the drapes were constricted. By rising through the floor, I wanted not only a spectacular entry, but also, to represent birth into a new world.
Light Experiment
For the performance, I though of different light FX I could use. I wanted some light but to otherwise for the theatre to be dark. I found some LED tape lights. I was able to attach them to the edge of the stage. I liked the effect. It would be cool to switch between illuminated and dark periods. It may also be used as part of a stage entrance.
Final Piece
Unfortunately, my term was effected by illness and this made it challenging for me to find the time and space during term to move forward with a final production. I did not feel I could use the material I had generated through the devising process as it had been practice. I had planned to build performances around the various scenery.
Fatigue Scene
'Fatigue' Practice
To compensate for this, it was considered to create a performances that had been influenced by the illness. For example, I could create scenes that represented stages of illness. I started to build this performance but wasn't sure if I had the resources to develop the performance in my own space.
After I started to recover I was able to become more physically active and push towards creating a performance piece. I had an idea of using the forest for filming a scene. The scene was themed around the concept of play and exploration. I had to explore the area to find a good place to film. I found an area and walked around the area. I conjured a trail and played with various elements on the trail. I filmed from different angles to see which angle I preferred. I also tried performing different styles.
After performing, I was physically exhausted. However, I really enjoyed the process. Although it's cool to play around in the theatre and use manufactured props and scenery, I felt at home climbing around natures obstacles. After filming and editing, I feel like this is a particular style I could push forward. I find different areas to play and explore. I film a trail from different angles and piece it together with some music. I do not know if this is what 'physical' theatre, but it was definitely physically challenging and incorporating play.
"Natures Playground"
The final piece is interesting and has a flow to it. I like the climbing the roots part, where the angles change and it works well with the music. Some of the editing is off. Initially, it was just from putting the clips together, but I liked the effect so made it a thing. It's not a film, I wanted to show different angles and things I liked, even if repeated. I like the jump bit. I found a lower ledge to jump from and filmed it. I cut out the initial jump so it shows only falling and slowed it down. I think it is effective. This part represented a 'leap of faith'. There are some other jumps I like, but the edit where I jump from a log and into another scene from a side angle is my favourite. In future I would apply slow to some of the other jumps. There was another small part where I am leaning against a mossy rock. This was a cool angle.
I have learned a lot from this process. Yes I am not healthy, but I could still make this video on a good day. I liked the idea of it being in the forest or using the surrounding environment. I also enjoyed playing in the theatre and trying to create scenes for the performance. The idea of creating a gap in the stage to emerge on from will need to be explored in future. I have learned to use different editing software. It is an improvement on what I was using before. It was difficult to figure out how to use but with more experience, editing will be slightly easier than before.
Whilst going through the process of devising theatre, it forced me to think outside the box. I did not have an idea of what to do for the performance. Due to my indecisiveness I felt there was a million ways to go but I did have anything that felt right to me. It was through limitation that I moved forward. It was through being myself that I found a theme. Although I was impressed by many performances, I had to work within my own limitations. I had little opportunity to produce a final piece due to illness. I had to with locations accessible to me outside college time. I like the overall theme of play so focused on play as the theme for the story. I like near the woods and spent a lot of time playing in the woods as a child, so this focused me into to finality of the performance. I also was inspired by the music. My movement in the scene is influenced by the music.
I was able to take inspiration from the use of alternative venues, child like play, physicality and pushing it to the edge. I feel I have evolved my own performance style. Yes, I am rusty and green in terms of editing. I probably need a better camera and some assistance. I would like to make it more theatrical, perhaps I could play music whilst performing so I can move with the music. What I have produced is not what I would define as theatre, but physical performance mixed with interesting camera angles and over editing.
One idea I had was I could expand upon this performance by adding more of a computer game overlay. I would represent a character in the game. The original film will have game options that come on screen and possibly other characters. This filmed will be then filmed in the first person of a gamer, showing them clicking buttons on a game pad. I feel this could make the style more immersive to someone watching the performance at home. There is potential to go deeper and create a game story, with the film including cut scenes that tell more of the games back story and other characters.
I enjoyed the process of studying physical theatre, devising, playing and producing the film. On a good day, I feel I am capable of physical theatre and even on a bad day, I could make use of my ailments. I feel that even if I did not work as a paid professional in this style or publish any of my work, I would like to create more in the natures playground series. Simply going into the woods and climbing around was enjoyable. It was good exercise and in a healthy environment. I felt like a child jumping over the logs and climbing over various obstacles. I was covered in mud and absolutely exhausted afterwards. After, I was able to sit down and process the film. It was fun watching the videos, seeing all the angles, some interesting, or various moves, some purposeful, some accidental. I was able to more closely create the experience of what has happening in my mind.
I learned a lot about myself during the process. I have learned most about my learning style. Yes, I am a procrastinator and it can feel debilitating. I feel I am incapable of working. However, during this time, I am looking for solutions. I am working to gain focus. Once I have procrastinated enough I am able to become more focused and decisive. I am also motivated and driven. I am able to work to a greater intensity and become highly productive. I can enter the zone and beast mode at the same time. Therefore, there is some method in my madness and I shouldn't beat myself up so much. I also realised that it is sometimes needed and it is essentially a break from work, a normal thing. However, I do need to become less of a procrastinator as I feel that it eats too much time and it limits me from doing things I need or actually want to do. If I am able to progress in this area I will be able to live a more fulfilling life and develop in any area.
As a performer, physical theatre is a good style for me. There is work available. I am capable. It does not require me to memorise scripts or lyrics, which is my biggest weakness. However, I can only move forward as a professional if I am to overcome my health issues. However, I still feel I can make my own films and post them on social media, someone might be interested. There are 7 billion people and many locations to explore. I think detailing the location may help gain interest, but the work is still raw, needs refining and additional theatricality.
I have some skill for finding interesting locations and I am able to identify interesting aspects of the scene. There are roles within the industry where someone is required to find locations for various productions. If I do not move forward as performer, locations is one role which would be extremely interested. I have the fantasy of being able to travel for work, not simply drive, but to visit and explore unusual places and provide the funds to live such a life. This would may be a job that allows such fantasy to be fulfilled. I feel the role is more laid back and less demanding than other roles, which may be ideally suited to my mentality. I also feel it is something I could do on a good, or bad day!
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