Monday, November 23, 2009

my first impression of physical theatre through viewing the video" dead dreams of a monochrome man"



dreams of a monochrome man by David Hinton

These days, what I am trying to figure out but still so stuck is which is the western contemporary performance form that I could absorb and involve with my ultimate project- a piece of traditional Chinese drama. Some of the professionals recommended physical theatre owing to the definition of physical theatre which origins from Brecht's theory,the the epic theatre, to some extent. Therefore, what I expect is to view some raw movements and expression which has their natural rhythm taken from everyday life of human-being and animals.

After I saw the piece called dead dreams of a monochrome man, which was produced in 1989, was inspired by the
grisly world of the notorious 80's serial killer Dennis Nilsen who was responsible for 16 murders in London, The majority of whose victims lived on the edge of society and were visitors at his home, I consider that there is
smilarities in the traditional chinese drama and the video. Firstly, both of them has a strong concept but limited story. Secondly, it seems obviously attractive because of the collaboration of their rich body languages and strong beats. Thirdly, for spectator, secrets to involve them in the performance without any self-conscious is to recall their memories, to evoke their deeply emotions, to lead them into an sensitive, ambiguous atmosphere rather than inviting them physically speak or act during the performance, which is essence of oriental dramas according to the theory of Brecht's epic theatre as well.

However, what I learn from the piece, in the first impression, is the proper approach of using repeating performance language, which includes using the same lighting resources and body language for times ,which a incredibly impressed the audience.

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