Page 101 - Theatre_Arts_Form_5

Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

Adaptation
In adaptation training technique, actors are trained to overcome physical obstacles
which need to be adjusted in order to achieve a goal. With respect to an action,
problem adaptation required the actor to answer the questions ‘What’ (action),
‘Why (aim) and ‘How” (adaptation). It is adjustment to the action problem. The
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
training strategy helps an actor to become completely aware of the other actors
and new situation in order to make adjustments. According to Stanislavski,
an important function of adaptation is to allow the actor to transmit ‘invisible
messages’ that cannot be communicated through words.

The physical apparatus
Stanislavski perceived the body and voice as ‘instruments’ that can be trained.
The trained physical apparatus (body and voice) can help the actor give shape to
an action. An actor’s body and voice are, in Stanislavski’s opinion, the physical
apparatus for the actor to fully express every aspect of character. To overcome
problem of mechanical gestures or mannerisms in the theatre, Stanislavski
insisted on training actor’s body so as to improve posture and make movements
flexible and graceful.

Tempo-rhythm
Tempo is the rate or speed of a motion or activity. It is sometimes known as pace.
The varying speeds and timings of both actions and speech on stage coincide to
produce a rhythm. At its most simple, “tempo” is the speed at which you carry out
an action, and “rhythm” is the intensity with which you carry it out. Stanislavski
trained his actors to understand and create tempo-rhythm. While internally,
rhythm is the intensity of the emotional experience, externally, it is the pattern
of gestures, movements and actions. Stanislavski believed on the importance of
training actors’ techniques of tempo-rhythm so that they can execute physical
actions in a concrete and truthful manner. Stanislavski warns against monotone
speech, unless it is in the character’s portrayal. An actor must use pitch, pace and
pauses to give more meaning to what the character has to say.

Read the following example that will help a person to understand the difference
between external and internal acting technique.

91 Form Five

28/06/2024 15:05
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 91 28/06/2024 15:05
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 91