As an actor, I have always been fascinated by the power of physicality in theatre. The ability to convey emotions, tell a story, and captivate an audience with just your body is truly magical. That’s why I was drawn to the teachings of Jacques Lecoq, a master of physical theatre who revolutionized the way actors approach movement on stage.

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Introduction to Physical Theatre and Jaques Lecoq

Physical theatre is a form of performance that relies heavily on the body to tell a story. It can include dance, mime, acrobatics, and other physical disciplines to create a unique and engaging theatrical experience.

Jacques Lecoq was a French actor, mime, and theatre instructor who developed a methodology for physical theatre that has become renowned around the world.

The Importance of Physicality in Theatre

Theatre is a visual medium, and physicality plays a crucial role in creating a compelling performance.

Every movement an actor makes on stage conveys a message to the audience, whether it’s a subtle gesture or an elaborate dance sequence.

By using their bodies to express emotions and tell a story, actors can create a deeper connection with the audience and bring a performance to life.

Understanding Movement for Actors

To truly embrace physicality in theatre, actors must first understand the principles of movement. This includes everything from posture and balance to gesture and expression.

By mastering these basics, actors can become more comfortable and confident in their bodies on stage.

Exploring Movement Techniques in Physical Theatre

One of the key elements of physical theatre is the use of movement techniques to convey meaning and emotion. These techniques can include everything from the Alexander Technique and Laban Movement Analysis to acrobatics and clowning.

By experimenting with different movement techniques, actors can discover new ways to express themselves on stage and create a unique performance.

The Principles of Jacques Lecoq’s Approach to Physical Acting

Jacques Lecoq’s approach to physical acting is based on the idea that the body is the actor’s primary tool for expression.

His methodology emphasizes the importance of observation, improvisation, and playfulness in creating a compelling performance.

Lecoq’s teachings have had a significant impact on physical theatre around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire actors and theatre-makers to this day.

Applying Physicality in Theatre Performances

By embracing physicality in their performances, actors can create a truly immersive experience for the audience.

This can include everything from expressive movement and dance to acrobatics and physical comedy.

By using their bodies to tell a story, actors can create a performance that is both captivating and memorable.

The Impact of Movement on Storytelling

Movement can have a powerful impact on storytelling in theatre.

By using physicality to convey emotions and ideas, actors can create a deeper connection with the audience and bring a story to life in a unique and unforgettable way.

Movement can also be used to create symbolism and metaphor, adding depth and complexity to a performance.

Character Creation with Jaques Lecoq

We can use Jaques Lecoq’s techniques in order to create characters in our acting work. Here are a couple of the most effective:

Undulations

Lecoq’s undulations can be a great way to discover the posture and physicality of characters. This is a simple exercise.

All you need to do is undulate the spine through flowing spine rolls and then stop at various points in the spine roll in order to find the physicality.

You will find that stopping at different points inspires different feelings in you and makes you think of different attitudes and personalities.

This can be a great technique to experiment with when it comes to character creation.

Check out this video for a simple demonstration of how to do the undulations.

7 Levels of Tension

Lecoq’s 7 levels of tension can be another great way to explore characterisation. You can use this to help you create an overall character physicality or to explore how your character may act within their circumstances.

The 7 levels of tension are as follows:

1. Exhausted – jellyfish. No tension whatsoever. Limp, can hardly move.
2. Californian. Laid back, relaxed.
3. Neutral. Efficient. Just enough energy as you need to get things done. No urgency. Functional.
4. Alert. Curious. You are interested in the world around you. Exploratative. Think of Mr Bean.
5. Suspense. Is there a threat in the room? Suspicion. On edge. Jumpy. John Cleese characters often operate here.
6. Passionate. There is a threat in the room. Frantic, wild, quick, irrational. Heightened state.
7. Tragic. Petrified. Deer in the headlines. Frozen stiff. You are so tense you are locked tight.

Explore these levels of tension when creating your character and see how they make you feel and how they connect you to your character’s personality.

If you want to learn more about Lecoq’s 7 levels of tension, check out this video.

Learning More About Lecoq

One of the best ways to learn more about Lecoq’s techniques is to read his books. This way we can understand his mindset, point of view, and attitude, alongside understanding his techniques further.

The Moving Body (Le Corps Poétique)

This is an amazing book to learn more about the Lecoq technique. Here, Lecoq lays down his acting philosophy as well as covering all his main techniques. Unlock your playfulness with this inspiring guide to acting.

Theatre of Movement and Gesture

This book digs deep into Lecoq’s views on physicality, movement, gesture and it’s importance in the theatre. If you want to further develop your approach to physicality, then this may be the perfect guide for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jacques Lecoq theory?

Jacques Lecoq focused on physicality and movement. He wanted to encourage playfulness, creativity, and freedom so that actors could be alive on stage and not constrained by too many rules.

Who created the 7 levels of tension?

This was created by Jacques Lecoq in order to explore our physical reactions to our circumstances.

What are Lecoq 20 movements?

Lecoq’s 20 movements are a set of specific movements for actors to practice. These were created so that actors could develop their range of movement and express themselves in the ways they may be required to.

What was the impact of Jacques Lecoq?

Jacques Lecoq has had an enormous impact on acting, with his techniques being taught in drama schools across the world. He has opened people up to playfulness, expressiveness and joy in performance.

Who influenced Lecoq?

Lecoq was heavily influenced by theatre practitioner Antonin Artaud, as well as the ideas used in Commedia dell’arte.

Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of Physical Theatre with Jaques Lecoq

Physical theatre is a unique and powerful form of performance that can captivate and inspire audiences.

By embracing the principles of movement and physicality, actors can create performances that are truly magical.

Jaques Lecoq’s approach to physical acting has had a significant impact on the world of theatre, and remains a valuable resource for actors and theatre-makers around the world.

So why not embrace the magic of physical theatre and see where it takes you?

Check out my Guide To Character Physicality For Actors to discover more great movement techniques.