Devised movement

Definition

Devised movement refers to the collaborative process of creating movement sequences in theater that arise from improvisation and experimentation rather than pre-choreographed routines. This approach emphasizes the body as an expressive tool, allowing performers to explore and develop their physicality in relation to the thematic elements of a performance. It fosters a dynamic interaction between the performers, their bodies, and the environment, often resulting in unique and innovative expressions of storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Devised movement is often used in experimental theater to enhance the narrative by allowing physical expression to convey emotions and themes.
2. The process typically involves collaboration among the entire cast, encouraging input and creativity from all performers to shape the final movement sequences.
3. Devised movement can incorporate elements from various disciplines, such as dance, martial arts, or everyday gestures, making it versatile and adaptable.
4. This approach can lead to surprising discoveries, where movement may inspire dialogue or new narrative ideas during the creative process.
5. Devised movement challenges traditional hierarchies in theater by valuing the contributions of each performer equally in shaping the overall production.

Review Questions

• How does devised movement enhance storytelling in experimental theater?
  • Devised movement enhances storytelling by allowing physical expression to convey emotions and themes that words alone may not capture. This method encourages performers to explore their bodies' capabilities and how these movements can reflect character relationships and narrative arcs. The collaborative nature of devising leads to unique interpretations that are deeply rooted in the performers' individual experiences and creativity.
• Discuss the role of improvisation in the creation of devised movement and how it influences the final performance.
  • Improvisation plays a crucial role in devised movement as it encourages spontaneous creativity and exploration among performers. This unstructured approach allows actors to experiment with their physicality, leading to unexpected discoveries that can inform the development of choreography. As performers engage with each other and their environment during improvisation, they contribute to a fluid exchange that ultimately shapes the final performance, making it feel fresh and dynamic.
• Evaluate the impact of devised movement on traditional theatrical practices and its implications for future performances.
  • Devised movement challenges traditional theatrical practices by shifting focus from scripted dialogue to physical expression as a primary storytelling tool. This change promotes a more collaborative environment where all performers contribute creatively, thus democratizing the creative process. As theater continues to evolve, the incorporation of devised movement may lead to more innovative forms of storytelling that prioritize embodied experience over conventional narrative structures, paving the way for diverse interpretations in future performances.

Related terms

Physical Theater:

A theatrical form that prioritizes the use of physical movement as a primary means of expression, often blending elements of dance, mime, and acting.

Choreography: The art of designing and arranging dance movements and sequences, typically involving structured patterns and specific techniques.

Improvisation:

The spontaneous creation of performance without a script or predetermined structure, allowing for creative freedom and exploration.