Some people in the theatre world might tell you that making theatre is all about emotion. They would say that if your play isn't making the audience cry by the end, then you're doing it wrong. But we believe that good theatre is a balance of physical and emotional storytelling. It's not enough to just make the audience feel something – you have to engage their intellect and their senses as well. In this blog post, we'll explore some ways to create theatre that is both physical and emotional. Hopefully, it will give you some tools to use in your own work!
One of the most important aspects of physical theatre is the use of space. How you use the stage can say a lot about your characters and their relationship to each other. In traditional theatre, the stage is usually divided into two areas: the upstage and the downstage. The upstage is typically reserved for scenes that are more internal, while the downstage is used for scenes that are more external. This division of space can be helpful in creating a balance between physical and emotional storytelling.
Another important element of physical theatre is movement. Your body can be used to create a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness to anger. It's important to experiment with different ways of moving your body and see what works best for you. You can also use props and costumes to help create a certain mood or feeling.
Finally, it's important to connect with your audience. They are the ones who will be experiencing your play, so you want to make sure they are engaged from beginning to end. One way to do this is to create a rapport with them. This can be done by making eye contact, smiling, and even talking to them before the show starts. It's also important to be aware of their reactions during the performance and adjust accordingly.
Theatre is an ever-changing art form, so it's important to keep practicing and evolving as an artist. By trying new things and experimenting with different techniques, you'll be able to find what works best for you and your theatre company. Who knows, maybe one of your experiments will end up becoming the next big hit!
When creating theatre, it is important to find the right balance between the physical and emotional elements. Too much focus on one or the other can ruin the overall effect of the show. At the "Dramaturgy of Physical Action" workshops in Brussels on August 3-5 and in Berlin on August 8-13, we will explore corporeality and the creation of theatrical productions with an emphasis on movement. Register now and enter the word "scholarship" to attend the seminar in Brussels for 150 euros instead of 240 and in Berlin for 390 euros instead of 590. See you soon!