Some resources for Meyerhold

This is a basic summary of Meyerholdian principles. I strongly advise you all to read Johnathan Pitches' article as it is full of useful information and is not too heavy going. Another good resource is "Acting (Re)Considered" by Phillip Zarrilli.

The System of Biomechanics is to train the psycho-physical apparatus of the actor... in short, to teach the body to think.

The main principles of Biomechanics are:

-to develop a physical awareness of space and weight

-to discipline the body so that you are in control of your movements

-to gain an understanding of rhythm and tempo

-to heighten gestural expressivity

-to improve balance and coordination by finding your centre of gravity

-to develop a physical relationship with other actors and the

performance space

-to respond with sensitivity to external stimuli (lights, sound etc)

-to improve alertness and receptivity

These general principles are taught through specific etudes (16 in total, each individually named) which are based on a range of sources; circus, music hall, boxing, gymnastic, military discipline, chinese theatre and kabuki. Meryerhold divided each gesture of the etude into exact movements which enabled him to apply Taylorist principles of "motion economy" along with James' theory of emotion (you'll need to look these theories up!) Combined, these would enable the actor "to establish the relationship between his physical appearance and his own inner nervous feelings." (Zarrilli, p91)

Important point to note - the Dactyl is not an actual etude: it is a signaling exercise which aids an actor in concentration and provides timing to coordinate movements (sets a rhythm.) Hence why it is performed at the start and end of an etude. Interestingly, Meyerhold's actors were also trained by professionals in fencing, boxing, classical ballet, modern dance, cabaret, juggling, speech, diction and music. The theory being "the greater amount of music skills at the actors disposal, the more efficiency he can carry

out a variety of tasks." (Zarrilli p92)

41 mins

Throwing a rock

Group

Monologue

Emotion

meyerhold__pitches_.pdf

Vsevolod Meyerhold’s Biomechanics.pdf

4._cultural_and_historical_background_and_7_key_areas_of_thinking

5._stylisation_mask_grotesque_montage_biomechanics

Some final information

It was about the Actor being the mechanic over the body which was the machine
Reducing movements down to the most efficient series of actions.
Worked from the OUTSIDE in, do something first then feel it. Must physically do it first prior to feeling it.
Be sensitive to the feelings in your body and reach to what the body is telling you.
Emotion theory that connects with physical
Dactyle : signals a beginning of the activity and end of the activity.
Nothing is accidental, every moment has a strong basis and rhythmic balance and purpose.

Some resources for Meyerhold

Some final information

Shooting a Bow