Physicality in Theatre

Lesson Overview

• Grade Level: Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Class Size: 10 students
• Unit Title: Exploring Artaud's Cruelty
• Lesson Number: 4 of 8

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of physicality in Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty.
2. Engage in physical theatre exercises that embody the principles of Artaud's theories.
3. Collaborate effectively with peers to create a short physical performance piece.

Curriculum Framework

This lesson aligns with the following UK National Curriculum Framework standards for Drama:

• Performing Arts (Drama) – KS4:

  • Develop a range of dramatic skills using movement and body language.
  • Understand and apply the principles and practices of different theatrical forms, particularly those of influential practitioners.

• Assessment Objectives:

  • AO4: Apply knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of drama to performance.
  • AO3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of drama.

Materials Needed

• Open space for movement
• Music with distinct emotional tones
• Props (scarves, hats, or other items for physical interaction)
• Paper and pencils for reflection

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Warm-up Exercise (5 minutes):

  • Start with a simple physical warm-up to loosen up (e.g., shaking limbs, stretching).
  • Engage in a dynamic group freeze activity where students strike physical poses reflecting different emotions.

• Discussion (5 minutes):

  • Introduce Antonin Artaud and key concepts of the Theatre of Cruelty: the use of shock, sensory experience, and unconventional storytelling.
  • Pose questions: How can physicality convey message and emotion? Why does Artaud reject traditional narrative structures?

Main Activity (40 minutes)

Physical Theatre Exercises (30 minutes)

1. Emotion through Movement (15 minutes):

   • Split students into small groups (3-4 each). Provide them with an emotion (fear, joy, anger, or sadness). Instruct them to create a short tableau that captures the essence of that emotion through body language only, no words.

2. Improvisation with Physicality (15 minutes):

   • Students remain in groups and create a brief, improvised scene (2-3 minutes) using only their body language, initial tableau, and music cues. They should focus on how to express the emotions and themes associated with their chosen subject matter, inspired by Artaud.

Group Reflection (10 minutes)

• After performing, lead a class discussion in a circle:
  • What did you feel while performing and watching each other?
  • How did using only physicality affect the way you communicated your ideas?
  • Compare how the emotion was conveyed in the tableau versus the improvisation.

Closure (10 minutes)

1. Reflection Activity (5 minutes):

   • Have each student write a short reflection (3-4 sentences) on what they learned about physicality in performance and how Artaud’s ideas influenced their work.

2. Wrap-Up Discussion (5 minutes):

   • Invite students to share their reflections. Highlight key points, emphasising the importance of physical storytelling in contemporary theatre.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Monitor group work and individual contributions during exercises.
• Evaluate student reflections for understanding and personal insight into Artaud's principles.
• Encourage peer feedback based on performance focus and emotional clarity.

Differentiation

• For advanced students: Encourage them to experiment with character development and deeper emotional connections in their physical performances.
• For those needing support: Provide clear examples and more structured guidance during group work, ensuring they feel confident exploring physicality.

Homework (Optional)

• Ask students to observe a performance (could be a film, TV show, or live theatre) and note examples of physicality and how it contributes to the storytelling. They can prepare to share their observations in the next lesson.

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This lesson promotes an active exploration of performance techniques that align with the creative, emotional, and social aspects of theatre, encapsulating Artaud's experimental spirit.