Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap
Learn about Meyerhold’s form of physical theatre, biomechanics, and understand and perform ‘The Slap’.
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
2 hours
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This course introduces you to world-renowned Russian director Meyerhold’s technique of biomechanics. It invites you to study and experience first-hand his revolutionary biomechanical étude, ‘The Slap’.
Through a mixture of video, animation, discussion forums and practical exercises you will begin to understand Meyerhold’s Russian actor training technique – a two-minute repeatable exercise used to develop balance, awareness and expression. You will be invited to explore your own response to this unique approach to training and will share these responses with your fellow learners.
Week 1
Meyerhold in context
Welcome
Before you get started take some time to introduce yourself and meet your fellow learners from around the world.
Meyerhold and Biomechanics
In this first activity you will be introduced to Meyerhold before moving on to consider how and why he developed his system of biomechanics.
Introduction to The Slap
In this activity Jonathan introduces you to one of the five classic études devised by Meyerhold and his collaborators in the 1920s: the Slap on the Face.
Summary
To close this week we would like to introduce you to some of the options for studying at the University of Leeds. We also look forward to next week.
Week 2
Meyerhold in action
About week 2
This week shifts the focus to Meyerhold in action. We're going to put to the test the idea of exploring history through the body.
Preparation for practical activities
This is an important activity providing preparation for 'the Slap in action'. It will help you to understand the importance of working safely through a range of warm up exercises.
The Slap in action
In this activity you explore in greater detail the movements involved in 'the Slap' étude. Watch the videos and have a go.
Your turn
In this activity you will decide how to record your own training exercise and share it with other learners. You can also reflect and comment on the posts from other learners.
Summary
Having reached the end of this course, you can test your understanding and then look forward to further courses from the University of Leeds.
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