An investigation into the creation of a performance narrative generated from movement; through analysis of the creative strategies of Frantic Assembly this study will employ one of their exercises within a new devising environment to analyse the rehearsal process.

Abstract

This dissertation will take an in-depth look at the processes necessary to create a performance narrative from movement and assess whether a script is required. The investigation will analyse the creative strategies of Frantic Assembly's rehearsal process and within a new devising rehearsal environment will implement an exercise from the resource pack for their production of Hymns. This project will look at insights that Frantic Assembly could offer as a company who have not been a focus in the academic writings for physical theatre. The results from the rehearsals will act as a tool to explore the elements of physical work that are utilised, by Frantic Assembly and other respected practitioners in the field, to create a performance narrative. Variations to the original exercise will facilitate further exploration into the nature of the ability of movement to create a performance narrative. The physical work produced in rehearsal has been reflected upon and analysed to illustrate the limitations and benefits of movement in the creation of a performance narrative. This study concludes by providing a possible strategy for the continuation of this rehearsal process to generate a performance narrative.