Physical theatre is based on physical expression that takes the place of words (or some spoken words) or expresses figures or forms or is applied in stylised movement. Those of us that do physical theatre as a performer or deviser may feel that this is one of the best genres of theatre because of how it engages the imagination of the creators and the audience.
Creating physical theatre is often devised from a group collaboration with a different format in rehearsals than that of a play, because a play already has a written script with characters and dialogue from the start of the rehearsal process. While there is a director/leader in both types of rehearsals, physical theatre shows start and develop from an idea, concept or scenario from an adaptation.
Shows that encompass physical theatre techniques or stylised movement can be silent, set to music or sound effects, have spoken dialogue or a combination of them all. Finally, the topics and tone of productions with physical theatre techniques cover the entire gamut of theatre and humanity from humorous to serious.
There are many productions that are based on physical theatre at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, here are my choices to consider, in alphabetical order – but do explore the venues and schedule to discover more!
1984 at Summerhall from WITHINTHEATRE, brings together professional actors and creatives from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. The production delves into themes of surveillance and control, adapted from Nick Hern’s play, 1984.
Funny Bones is a physical comedy show at the Gilded Balloon presented by Ha Ha Hawai’i from the United States, based on a clown who goes about seeking redemption – in his own way – with humour, large-scale puppetry and high-energy physical comedy!
Julieta at Summerhall, invites us into her home to share recent and past memories. Gabriela Muñoz from Mexico plays a deliciously quirky character through her adept clown and physical theatre skills – and her character’s daily routines!
L’Addition at Summerhall, presented by Bert and Nasi, is one of the Here & Now Showcase (which selects exceptional performance created in England ready for international distribution). A devised verbal scene with a customer and waiter is repeated many times – that becomes more physical and humorous!
Night Train at theSpace45 by Tellus Theatre Company is a piece of new writing with a physical vocabulary.Described as a philosophical comedy it seeks to answer questions about life – after a seemingly dramatic start – with slapstick comedy and puppetry and chaos.
Nobody Meets Nobody at the Pleasance at EICC is a physical theatre of the emotions, our existence and stories by the Grotowski Institute, whose residence at the Fringe is supported by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland.
Show Pony at Summerhall created by Berlin-based still hungry and British performance maker Bryony Kimmings is a contemporary circus and physical theatre show about our prejudices towards age and femininity. The show promises “love, laughter and lunacy”.
Too Close to the Sun at Greenside @ Riddles Court by Wrong Tree Theatre based in Durham is a newly devised show inspired by the story of Icarus, that goes beyond in its “experimental and physical anthology”.
Please refer to trigger warnings and recommended age suitability listed in the information for each show in the EdFringe online schedule.
Jo Tomalin teaches theatre, directs, and presents national and international theatre workshops. She trained at: Goldsmith’s College, University of London, UK (Laban Movement Analysis & Choreography); École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris, France: Certificat Professionnel + LEM (Physical Theatre/Acting, Masks, Scenography); Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London; Trinity College of Dramatic Art, London; Ph.D. Capella University, MN.
