¡Aprende teatro con nosotros! 3. Etienne Decroux y el mimo corporal dramático

The Evolution of Modern Theatre Techniques

Key Influencers in Modern Theatre

• The discussion highlights three pivotal figures in modern theatre: Meyer, Grotowski, and Decroux, each focusing on different aspects of acting techniques.

• Gordon Craig is introduced as a significant English artist known for his concept of the "super marionette," where the actor is seen as a plastic element with movement capabilities.

Divergence from Naturalism

• Both Grotowski and Craig reject 19th-century naturalism, advocating for a theatre that creates rather than imitates nature.

• Decroux disagrees with Craig's notion that the human body is unusable for art; he believes it can be liberated through proper training.

Training and Emotional Expression

• The learning process for actors should span at least six years to master their craft, emphasizing the importance of time before performing on stage.

• Decroux argues against relying on facial expressions to convey emotion, suggesting that psychological depth should not be revealed through the actor's face.

Concept of Super Marionette

• The idea of the super marionette is crucial for Decroux as it emphasizes an actor's ability to control their physical presence on stage.

• He posits that achieving the ideal qualities of a marionette requires rigorous practice and understanding of theatrical laws.

Development of Corporeal Mime

• Decroux aims to establish corporeal mime as an independent art form distinct from traditional theatre and dance.

• His work gains international recognition both as a vanguard reference in contemporary theatre and as an influential teacher to many prominent actors.

Technical Mastery in Movement

• A meticulous study of technique underpins Decroux’s approach, focusing on articulating every part of the body while maintaining stillness in non-participating areas.

• He establishes a hierarchy within body parts, prioritizing trunk movements which serve as foundational elements for expression in performance.

Emphasis on Trunk Movement

• The trunk is considered central to movement; its manipulation requires effort and creates balance challenges essential for conveying action and internal worlds.

Anatomical Understanding in Movement Training

The Importance of Body Segmentation

• The discussion begins with the anatomical segmentation of the body, highlighting areas such as the head, torso, waist, and pelvis. This segmentation is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of body movement.

• Emphasis is placed on isolating different body parts during training to enhance control and prevent unintended movements in non-active areas.

Creative Process in Scene Development

• The creator's approach involves improvisation where themes are proposed for actors to explore poetically and metaphorically, leading to refined scenes through iterative development.

• Technical aspects are highlighted; the creator prioritizes bodily expression over costumes, often using minimal clothing that accentuates the body's silhouette.

Style Over Narrative

• A significant point made is that the creator values how a story is told (the style) more than the actual narrative content itself. This reflects a focus on artistic expression rather than just storytelling.

Recurring Themes in Repertoire

• The repertoire features recurring themes centered around craftsmanship and manual labor, showcasing an interest in various trades like laundry work and carpentry.