Not True, But Useful... A Cheek by Jowl Podcast
Series 4, Episode 2: Body and Meaning
Dec 22, 2021
Declan, a critic of language limitations in performance, and Lucie, an advocate for prioritizing physicality, dive into the crucial role of the body in theater. They challenge the hierarchy of language over movement and emphasize how embodied expression enriches meaning. The duo explores the interplay of text and physicality, illustrating how identity shapes emotional expression. They also discuss innovative rehearsal techniques that focus on the physicality of language, showcasing how non-verbal cues enhance audience engagement.
21:06
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Quick takeaways
- The episode highlights the importance of prioritizing bodily interactions in communication, as language often fails to capture our internal complexities.
- It emphasizes the significance of physicality in theatrical performance, illustrating how meaning evolves through actors' embodied experiences rather than just the text.
Deep dives
The Limitations of Language
The notion of body language is critiqued as it implies a hierarchy in which the body is secondary to spoken language. The discussion emphasizes that language is reliant on our physical existence, as communication begins with bodily interactions and evolves into verbal exchanges. Words, while essential, often fall short in conveying our internal complexities, particularly in high-stakes situations where the full spectrum of human experience cannot be simply articulated. This underscores a critical awareness that communication encompasses a broader spectrum, including gestures, movement, and breath, which are fundamental to how we connect with each other.
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