Physical Theatres - Murray Simon

Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction (2nd edition) is the first account to provide a comprehensive overview of non-text-based theatre, from experimental dance to traditional mime. Insisting that there are many physical theatres and arguing for the essential physicality of all theatrical forms, this book not only examines the acknowledged luminaries of physical theatre, but forges a new lens through which the physical and visual practices of the twentieth century's most exciting dramatists and theatre makers can be viewed. This book synthesises the history, theory and practice of physical theatre for students and performers, in what is both a core area of study and a dynamic and innovative aspect of theatrical practice.

explores the cognitive-neurological bases of empathy and other (spectator) responses. 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 and artists such as Théâtre du Soleil, Complicité, Goat Island, Dario Fo, Wrights and Sites, Punchdrunk and Mike Pearson * 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, Jerzy Grotowski and Joan Littlewood. locates the roots of the physical in theatres in play and other activities of the embodied mind.

explores the relationship between bodies on stage and analogue and digital technologies identifies physical theatre in new (and old) circus and its training regimes considers the physical practices in immersive, interactive and site-specific theatres This book can be used as a stand-alone text, or together with its companion volume, Physical Theatres: A Critical Reader, to provide an invaluable introduction to the physical in theatre and performance.