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Physical Theatres

A Critical Introduction
By Simon Murray and John Keefe
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction offers a comprehensive exploration of non-text-based theatre, encompassing experimental dance, mime, and physical performance. It traces the evolution of physical theatre from classical roots through to contemporary innovators such as DV8 Dance Theatre, Pina Bausch, and Jérôme Bel. The book delves into notable companies like Théâtre du Soleil and Complicite, and profiles influential figures in actor training including Jacques Lecoq and Anne Bogart. This edition introduces new discussions on technology's impact on the theatrical body, profiles additional practitioners such as Jerzy Grotowski and Punchdrunk, and examines emerging forms like circus performance and immersive theatre.
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Format: Hardback
$34100
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for students, performers, and theatre practitioners interested in the theory and practice of physical theatre. It serves as a core academic text and a dynamic resource for those exploring innovative theatrical forms and actor training methods.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This new edition of Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction continues to provide an unparalleled overview of non-text-based theatre, from experimental dance to traditional mime. It synthesises the history, theory and practice of physical theatres for students and performers in what is both a core area of study and a dynamic and innovative aspect of theatrical practice.

This comprehensive book:

  • traces the roots of physical performance in classical and popular theatrical traditions
  • looks at the Dance Theatre of DV8, Pina Bausch, Liz Aggiss and Jérôme Bel
  • examines the contemporary practice of companies such as Théatre du Soleil, Complicite and Goat Island
  • focuses on principles and practices in actor training, with reference to figures such as Jacques Lecoq, Lev Dodin, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Etienne Decroux, Anne Bogart and Joan Littlewood

Extensive cross-references ensure that Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction can be used as a standalone text or together with its companion volume, Physical Theatres: A Critical Reader, to provide an invaluable introduction to the physical in theatre and performance.

New to this edition:

  • a chapter on The Body and Technology, exploring the impact of digital technologies on the portrayal, perception and reading of the theatre body, spanning from onstage technology to virtual realities and motion capture
  • additional profiles of Jerzy Grotowski, Wrights and Sites, Punchdrunk and Mike Pearson
  • focus on circus and aerial performance, new training practices, immersive and site-specific theatres, and the latest developments in neuroscience, especially as these impact on the place and role of the spectator

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781138782105

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 December 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Routledge

Edition: 2nd edition

Illustration: 25 Illustrations, black and white

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 174.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 820g

Pages: 342

Collections

Arts & Culture John Keefe Non-Fiction Simon Murray

About the Author

Simon Murray is a performer, director and academic. He is currently Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, UK, where he taught Theatre Studies and Contemporary Performance until retiring in 2023. He is the author of Jacques Lecoq (2018), Performing Ruins (2020), Mime into Physical Theatre: a UK Cultural History 1970-2000 (with Mark Evans) (2023), and was co-founder and co-editor (until 2016) of the Theatre, Dance and Performance Training (TDPT) journal.

John Keefe is a director, dramaturg and academic. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Academic Mentor in the AAD School, London Metropolitan University, UK. He is the author of papers on neurocognition and spectatorship in theatres, and Staging and Re-cycling: Retrieving, Reflecting and Re-framing the Archive (with Knut Ove Arntzen) (2023).

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