THE IMAGINING BODY IN PERFORMER TRA

This book explores the embodied imagining processes of devised performance, combining the work of Jacques Lecoq and Gaston Bachelard to investigate the imagination as embodied, active, and embedded in the devising process. It offers practical and theoretical perspectives on Lecoq's 'poetic body' in contemporary devising practices, through first-hand accounts and interviews with international creative practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 10 May 2021
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS

This captivating book delves into the intricate and profound realm of embodied imagining processes within devised performance, where the human and the more-than-human are intricately intertwined in the creative process. Through a meticulous exploration, it brings together the insightful perspectives of French theatre pedagogue Jacques Lecoq (1921–1999) and French philosopher of science and the imagination Gaston Bachelard (1884–1962). By examining the concept of imagination as embodied, active, and deeply embedded in the devising process, this study offers a groundbreaking synthesis of Lecoq's pedagogical ethos and Bachelard's philosophical insights.

Interweaving first-hand accounts by the author and engaging interviews with contemporary international creative practitioners who have either graduated from or been profoundly influenced by Lecoq's teachings, Imagining Bodies in Performer Training takes a deep dive into the diverse adaptations, developments, and extensions of Lecoq's teachings across various cultural, political, and historical contexts. These insightful revelations shed light on a teaching approach that resists rigidity and instead unfolds, evolves, and adapts to the rich tapestry of cultural and political landscapes embraced by its practitioners, teachers, and students.

In this captivating journey, the book explores the profound connections between imagination, embodiment, and performance, shedding light on the ways in which artists and performers harness these elements to create powerful and transformative works of art. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the imagination as a means of expanding our creative capacities and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. By examining the rich tapestry of devised performance practices, Imagining Bodies in Performer Training provides valuable insights into the evolution of performer training and the ongoing exploration of the human potential for artistic expression.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of performance, imagination, and the human experience, as well as for educators and practitioners seeking to expand their understanding of performer training and creative processes. Its rich content, interdisciplinary approach, and thought-provoking insights make it a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and anyone passionate about the power of performance to inspire, transform, and enrich our lives.

ISBN-13: 9781138365933