Drama

Physical Theatre

Emphasis on movement rather than dialogue.

Physical Theatre

The human body at the centre of the storytelling process.

Physical Theatre

Abstract in style, using movement in a stylised and representational way.

Physical Theatre

Expression of ideas choreographed through movement.

Gesture

Small movement with emotional impact or a particular movement that defines a character.

Status

Executed by use of levels, distance, or strength of contact.

Proximity

How close or far you are from co-performers, can have a powerful impact.

Stance

Associated with strength, can radiate assertion and authority or weakness, incorporating posture.

Harshness and Tenderness

Gestures and bigger movements come together to express emotions.

Movement and Immobility

Movement or lack thereof can have a powerful effect.

Motif

Repeated use of a movement pattern which has meaning and reminds us of the central theme of the work.

Mime

Theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, using only gesture, expression, and movement.

Mime artist

Someone who performs mime.

Mimicry

The skill of imitating someone or something.

Pantomime

Believed to be British but originates from Italy.

Commedia dell'arte

Style of Italian street theatre that originated in the 16th Century, famous for stock characters, comedy, and exaggeration.

Pantomimes

Mostly performed at Christmas, often based on fairy tales and nursery stories.

Stock Characters

Specific to a particular style of theatre. In Pantomime: The Evil Villain, The Damsel in Distress, The Hero, The Principal/Protagonist, The Pantomime Dame.

Key Conventions

Traditional Pantomimes include: Comedy, Direct Address, Audience Participation, Lavish costumes and scenery, Singing and dancing, Special effects, Simple and familiar plot, Specific entrances and exits.

Dramatic Tension

Anticipation or anxiety that builds within an audience, creating a sense of excitement and engagement with a play.

Components of Dramatic Tension

Pacing, Conflict, Uncertainty, Emotional Investment.

Building Tension in a Scene

Should build in the drama, if too slow it will die, if too fast it may appear ineffective. Pace is key.

Tension

It can occur when performers raise their voice or with stillness and silence in the drama.

Tension

Created by the unknown, audience following where characters look, heavy use of emotions, and blocking.

Jacques Lecoq's States of Tension

Exhausted or catatonic (The Jellyfish), Laid back (the Californian), Neutral (the Economic), Alert or Curious, Suspense or Reactive, Passionate, Tragic.

Reviewing a Production

Things to think about: Staging, Positioning, Acting, Set, Costume, Lighting, Sound.

Staging

How is it staged? What is on the stage? How is it used?

Positioning

How do the actors interact with each other/the audience?

Acting

How do the actors communicate their characters?

Set

How is the set designed and dressed?

Costume

What are the actors wearing?

Lighting

Natural and artificial. How does this change according to mood?

Sound

How is sound used?