Group 1 + 2

In both clips the students demonstrate each of the phrases within the group section of the vocabulary. When improvising with this vocabulary the group section has an inbuilt problematic as simultaneous propositions can be made which the mass may or may not choose to follow. In such cases the group must rapidly meet an agreement.

In all languages footage

The movement vocabulary 'In all languages' is at the centre of my PhD research which focuses on 'Digitised Notation: New approaches to Physical Theatre and its documents'. The selected footage is from the duo section of the vocabulary performed by John Rowley and Richard Huw Morgan in February 2009.

The vocabulary was conceived in the mid 90's by Professor Mike Pearson and professional colleagues John Rowley and Richard Huw Morgan in collaboration with profoundly disabled performer Lyn Levitt.

Within the vocabulary there are ten physical languages, three solos, three, duets and three groups for a suggested number of eight people. Each can be articulated, mediated and composed in myriad ways to create sophisticated performance from a vocabulary of one hundred movements. Within each of the sections their words and retrospective movements become increasingly complex and difficult to accomplish. Each must be achieved precisely but only ‘within the physical capabilities and aspirations of the participant’ (Pearson:2006:212). The movements vary from simple gesture such as wave to choreographic instruction for example over less time, to compositional strategies which might see the movement performed in a restricted space.

Pearson, M (2006), In Comes I, University of Exeter Press