Jerzy Grotowski (1933-1999)

In this lecture we learnt about Jerzy Grotowski who was a Polish theatre director, actor trainer and a theorist. His first work began in 1957 to 1969 with play such as:

• Forefather's Eve 1961
• Akropolis 1962
• Dr. Faustus 1963
• The Constant Prince 1965
• Apocalypsis cum figuris 1969

His work was mainly about actor/ audience relationship. Although he regards Stanislavski as the 'Theatrical Grandfather' his theories and work was not similar to his)

The training to actors was also very important to Grotowski. 

• Voice/ sound projection: Vocal resonators.
• Physical/ Physique exercises/ Barbra influences: Tumbling, forward rolls, tiger leaps, summersaults.
• Body/ physical memory: Stimulates actor to become conscious of what they're doing. E.g. Performance, life. Natural movement. 
• The Plastique's (Plastic Training): Isolations and articulations of joints.

All training to to effect the idea of 'VIA NEGATIVIA' (Latin 'By the Negative')

Researched ritual traditions of other cultures. Transcultures.

Western - Mime, ballet, classical

Other - Haitian, ritual, Yanvalou.