WORKSHOP 2:
9/12/15
[Jacques
Lecoq’s Seven Tensions with context.]
Task:
Explore ‘seven tensions’ workshop for a second
time only give the exercise context relating to my project. This will add plot
and objective to my movements.
The
context I will add -
A wooden block to represent my characters baby/pram/crib. This was to give me something
to visualize to keep my mind off of trying to move a certain way. The movement
has to come from impulse.
The tensions:
1.
Catatonic/Exhausted.
2. Laid
Back.
3.
Neutral/Economic.
4. Alert/Curious.
5.
Suspense/Reactive.
6.
Passionate.
7.
Tragic.
Inspiration/Theory
–
'What is specific about
Lecoq’s approach is not the body, but the body in space.' (Fusetti 2000:
2)
I want to explore the body in
space by using this exercise to develop my movements in terms of my character.
I had performed the exercise once before as myself, therefore
this time I want to explore how I would move as my character through exploring
the different levels of tension.
Proposed Outcome –
The
aim of the workshop was to explore my character traits. I wanted to develop my
own physical ability but through playing as my character to see if I would hold
back less. I wanted to see how I would engage with the exercise this time if I was
not performing as myself.
My
expectations for the exercise this time were more positive than last time. I
assumed that my movements would be bigger, they would have more purpose and
would ultimately have more commitment behind them. I expected that I would not
hold myself back as much as I would not be performing as myself.
Outcome –
What I did:
[VIDEO] Lecoq’s ‘seven tensions’ exercise performed through a character
and with given context.
Results:
The outcome of the exercise
the second time only had slight improvements from my attempt the previous day. (see blog entry for the 8th of
December.) As I was
performing as my character I did notice that I experienced fewer
inhibitions and that the movements seemed to come from impulse, which is the
intention behind the exercise. Also the scene had relevance to the
context of my project therefore I began the process of character building.
However there still appears to be limitations or a prevention of commitment
behind all of my gestures and movements.
What
would I change? -
If I were
to repeat this workshop again I would add different scenarios for my character
to react to. This would develop my project by allowing me to explore different
means for stimulus. I could use this exercise to create scenes for my
character to interact and react to and see what the outcome would look like
going through the different tensions.
I intent to repeat this exercise throughout my
rehearsal project. I had success through character building when exploring this
exercise I felt this would not happen so soon in rehearsals. I plan to research
and possibly introduce an acting practitioner into my rehearsals. I would look
at exploring exercises that focus on embodiment of your character and the
portrayal of emotions as the results of my last two workshops appear to be
lacking this and I propose that, in doing so, this would improve my overall performance.
List of references -
Fusetti, G. (2000) The
Paradox of “Physical Theatre”. United Kingdom: Manchester University Press
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