Theory for Theatre Studies: Movement

Attempting to capture the visceral nature of movement in the form of a written text is a tricky one, but Rachel Fensham writes lucidly and energetically to do just that. Concentrating on movement in relation to theatre and acting, as opposed to dance, this is not designed as a ‘how to’ text, so don't expect any exercises or explicit teaching resources. What it does offer is a critical overview of movement in terms of theoretical and historical contexts, key practitioners, and epochs, as well as examining movement training methodologies and how this all relates to postdramatic and contemporary theatre. It's best suited to post-16 students upwards, and their lecturers.

Split into three clear sections, Fensham begins by setting contextual frames. Chapter One dips into the past field of theatrical events, selecting Western and non-Western examples of how movement has manifested itself through various cultures, religions, sciences, and societies. I was particularly interested in the idea that religious censorship meant that the court's codification of movement dominated and affected theatrical styles.

Chapter Two moves into more familiar territory for a theatre student, examining Brecht, Laban, Meyerhold and Grotowski amongst others. I was encouraged with the inclusion of wider philosophical ideas of phenomenological approaches and how we move in relation to the world around us. Chapter Three introduces Fensham's own set of lenses to examine movement when studying contemporary theatre making: speed, slowness, animation, and force. This new framework opens possibilities for discussion, and I was struck with the idea of movement as a force for social transformation.

Fensham gives us a plurality of voices. Alongside some of the more recognisable names we have numerous case studies including Japanese Noh and Butoh, Indigenous Australian theatre making, Indian practices and the Shanghai theatre collective GrassStage, all welcome additions to any educator's toolkit.

There is an accompanying set of materials on the Bloomsbury website which act as an excellent audio-visual resource if teaching any of the text's ideas.