Page 158 - Theatre_Arts_Form_5

Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

Postures
These are referred to as a way individuals hold their bodies while standing,
sitting or moving. This is the posing of the body as a whole. Postures can convey
confidence, openness, insecurity and defensiveness. While some people have
a tendency to judge others based on their postures, some employers tend to
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
select employees based on their postures. Like in many other contexts, when
theatre artists use postures in theatre performance, it is important to note that
meanings of postures differ from one culture to the other. To say it differently,
what is considered appropriate or respectful posture in one culture may be seen
disrespectful or an insult in another culture. For example, looking at somebody’s
eyes plainly may be considered as a sign of disrespect in China but in America,
it is considered as the sign of integrity or honest. Therefore, it is important to
first find out appropriate interpretation of postures in a given audience’s context
before applying them in performances. Figure 6.6 shows postures.

Figure 6. 6: Postures

Theories of body language

Body is one of the important tools of communication in theatre performances.
A proper and creative application of right postures, gestures and eye contact can
help performers to capture attention of the audience. Body language has an impact
on how others see us and how we view ourselves. Same as in real life, in theatre
performances, body language affects how the audience view the performance
and those who perform it. It is through a proper application of body language

Form Five 148

28/06/2024 15:05
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 148
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 148 28/06/2024 15:05