Physical Theatre Method Recipe

In just a few simple steps, you too can taste the wonders of physical theatre. Whip up these ingredients and enjoy a wonderful outside-in approach to theatre.

Ingredients:

1 cup of Laban
1 cup of Michael Chekhov
3 cups of Alexander
1 box of Meyerhold etudes (found in the Russia aisle of the your asian market)
2-17 tbsp. of friends (depending on your resources)
1 director
7 concise, imperative directions
2 tsp. Tai Chi
a pinch of breathing
1 journal

Directions:

In a large pan, simmer Laban, Alexander, and Meyerhold for at least 2 weeks. Gradually stir in the friends until cooked through.
In a small bowl, prepare the director with the directions. Whisk them together for at least a year (if your director comes with directions, you may eliminate this step). Then add to the Laban mixture. Turn the pan to high heat, cover, and allow to boil.
Meanwhile, slowly fold the Tai Chi, breathing, and journal together. Do not stop this ever.
Remove the Laban mixture from the heat, stir in the Tai Chi mixture until fully absorbed.
Finally, arrange them all on a stage at rehearsals and remind yourself that all you have is this breath.

NOTES: This recipe is best when served at an early age. Side effects of this recipe served after inside-out recipes may include, but are not limited to: stress, discomfort in the shoulders and back, shortness of breath, hatred towards all directors and teachers who didn’t serve this in the first place, countless hours trying to relearn how to use your body, and more back pain. With time, the side effects will decrease the more this recipe is used. Bon appetite!

I’ll be presenting this topic at the Conference of the Image in Chicago this October, so please reply with your thoughts as I develop my research. My initial question: What benefits am I missing by learning these techniques after my brain and habits are already formed? So now I’m focusing my research on the brain’s reaction to physical theatre at different stages of development.

About these ads