The nature of Physical theatre
At its simplest, you could define Physical theatre as a form of theatre that puts emphasis on movement rather than dialogue. But remember there are a huge number of variations as the genreA category or type of something. Fiction and non-fiction are two examples of different genres. covers a broad range of work. But essentially Physical theatre is anything that puts the human body at the centre of the storytelling process. As a result it鈥檚 often abstractThe opposite of a realistic representation is an abstract representation where a character or concept may be symbolised in a poetic rather than literal way. in style, using movement in a stylisedAn attempt to enhance a scene using unnatural methods. and representationalTo represent reality or an aspect of real life. way. With the expression of ideas choreographed through movement, such performers use very little or no dialogue at all.
DV8 are arguably among the main practitionerSomeone who practises or has written theatrical theory and whose theatre may have a definable theatrical form. of Physical theatre as a 鈥榝ull鈥 art form. They focus on looking at the dramatic potential that can be unlocked from movement. Their work is often described as existing at a crossroads where dance, sound and drama meet. DV8 are well known for using Physical theatre to explore complex aspects of human relationships and social or cultural issues.
In DV8鈥檚 production, Can We Talk About This? the director and performers used Physical theatre to express extremely complicated and delicate political and social issues. The main theme of the production looked at multiculturalismA system that recognises and respects the value of all cultures within a community/society., separatismTo keep cultures separate and independent from each other. A separatist may believe their own culture to be the dominant or better way of living. and militant IslamA person who follows Islam is a Muslim and believes the Qur'an is the direct word of Allah. Muslims follow the example and teachings of Muhammad.. Words and bodywork were combined to express what鈥檚 sometimes difficult to put into words alone.