1
‘Physical theatre’ in its broadest term means that it is a general term used to describe any mode of performance that is focusing on storytelling through primarily physical means. Physical Theatre is not directly linked to human performances but the term ‘physical theatre’ can be used as somewhat of a guideline for some forms of puppetry, especially on a large scale. The term ‘physical theatre can also be used to describe the following types of performances: Theatrical Acrobatics, Theatrical Clowning/Physical comedy and also some forms of Dance Theatre.
For me, even though they are all forms of physical theatre, or claim to be, distinct boundary between what is and what is not physical theatre. I have been taught, and also believe that, physical theatre utilizes existing text but the primary focus is on the physical work of the performers expressed through the use of their bodies. Somebody that works in physical theatre should not be called an actor or dancer, as the line between each, is very fine. Both actors and dancers perform, so somebody in physical theatre should be know as a performer.
I feel that during my process towards our performance, my body has grown, in the sense that I have captured my character within myself physically, whereas if I had a script my character would not have been this physically developed.
2
When reading, Anna Sanchez-Colberg suggested that ‘Physical Theatre’ - denotes a hybrid character and is testimony to its double legacy in both avant-garde theatre and dance.’ (Sanchez-Colberg in Keefe & Murray; 2007, p 21)
The above quote, in its broadest sense means combing dance and theatre together within a performance. So when performing a piece of physical theatre include some sort of dance.
Upon further reading, Sanchez-Colberg suggested that with the combination of Dance and Theatre, this would create a new type of genre. But personally, I think the two genres are different even thought there is a very close combination of them both. Both physical theatre and dance tell they story of a character and a journey they go on.
I do feel that the two types of genre are different, but I also feel that the ‘hybrid character’ is extremely suggested in physical theatre. Both genres use the body to tell the story of a character and a journey that character is going on that very moment.
3
DV8 is a physical theatre company that was formed in 1986. DV8 label themselves as dancers in the work that they have produced, but also they describe themselves as ‘breaking down the barriers of dance, theatre and personal politics’ and ‘reinvesting dance with meaning’ (www.dv8.co.uk). Their performances are about ‘breaking down the barriers between dance, theatre and personal politics and, above all, communicating ideas and feelings clearly and unpretentiously.’ (http://www.dv8.co.uk/about.dv8/artistic.policy.html). When looking at DV8’S work most of the performances contain ‘hybrid character’. By allowing this, they can push the boundaries of physical theatre further, creating a more sophisticated and somewhat fashionable piece of physical theatre.
DV8 is a physical theatre company that was formed in 1986. DV8 label themselves as dancers in the work that they have produced, but also they describe themselves as ‘breaking down the barriers of dance, theatre and personal politics’ and ‘reinvesting dance with meaning’ (www.dv8.co.uk). Their performances are about ‘breaking down the barriers between dance, theatre and personal politics and, above all, communicating ideas and feelings clearly and unpretentiously.’ (http://www.dv8.co.uk/about.dv8/artistic.policy.html). When looking at DV8’S work most of the performances contain ‘hybrid character’. By allowing this, they can push the boundaries of physical theatre further, creating a more sophisticated and somewhat fashionable piece of physical theatre.
When watching some of DV8’S work, I have personally felt that this performance has been made for me, or my personality, as they seem to tackle with issues that I connect with, and in some of their performances that I don’t connect with as much, there is somebody else who feels the same as I did with their previous work. DV8 seem to know what society would like to, and needs to see, that’s why their work is so popular and is being more demanded. It tackles with issues in today’s world.
Bibliography
[1] Murray, S, Keefe J Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction London: Routledge 2007
[2] Callery, D (2001) Through the body. New York: Routledge
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