Grotowski (Poor Theatre)

Question 1

Define Poor Theatre

Answer 1

Grotowski proposed poverty in the theatre by eliminating costumes, lighting, makeup and music in his theatres while insisting that the actor’s physical flexibility is more interesting than costumes or makeup.

His work involved an intense exploration of the relationship between participant and spectator and his aim was to eliminate the division between actor and audience

Object transformation was a key aspect and objects were often symbolic and of great importance. Lighting also flooded the acting area with no use of spotlights

Question 2

Grotowski Beliefs (Voice)

Answer 2

Actors must have well developed vocal and have control with their breathing. The actors also should learn to focus their voices as though they were coming from different parts of their body.

Question 3

Grotowski Beliefs (Contact)

Answer 3

Real harmony in human relationship only developed when people really learned to look at each other and listen to each other

Question 4

Grotowski Beliefs (Transformation)

Answer 4

Grotowski aimed always for the simplest, possible use of lighting, costume and special effects. It was upto the actor to use all their skills to transform empty spaces and simple objects into a range of worlds

Question 5

Grotowski Beliefs (Memory)

Answer 5

Emphasised the use of emotional memory to recall an experience and recreate the feeling that went with that memory

Question 6

Grotowski Beliefs (Truth)

Answer 6

Growtowski demanded total commitment and belief in every activity, even in the simplest excerise