Physical characterization and expression

Physical Characterisation and Expression

Physical characterisation refers to how performers use their bodies and movement to portray the physical attributes, personality traits and emotional state of a character.
This can be achieved through the manipulation of elements like posture, gesture, facial expression, walk or stance, and general movement quality.

Stanislavski’s System: This approach encourages performers to physically express a character’s internal emotional state.
Laban Expression: This involves the analysis of human movement and behaviour, performers use this to inform their physical choices when portraying a character.
Chekhov Technique: It emphasises on the use of psychological gestures and movements to express a character’s internal dynamics.
Meyerhold’s Biomechanics: This method highlights the efficiency of movement and the performer’s connection with space.

Non-verbal Communication: Body language, facial expression and physical gesture are used to communicate narrative and emotion.
Use of Space: How a character moves within the performance space can tell the audience a lot about their state of mind and personality.
Interactions with Others: How a character physically interacts with other characters can provide insight into relationship dynamics.
Exploitation of Physicality: Performers often exaggerate, minimise or stylise physical mannerisms to reinforce character traits.

Performers should embark on a physical exploration of their character, experiment with variations in movement and physicality.
It’s important to maintain consistency in physicality throughout a performance to create a believable character.
Regular movement practice and body-awareness exercises can enhance a performer’s ability to embody different characters convincingly.
Physical improvisation can be a valuable tool for discovering new ways of expressing a character’s traits and emotions.