Physical theatre is a catch-all term used to describe any mode of performance that pursues storytelling through primarily physical means. There are several quite distinct traditions of performance which all describe themselves using the term "physical theatre", which has led to a lot of confusion as to what the definition of physical theatre actually is.

The term "Physical theatre" has been applied to performances consisting mainly of:

• Mime
• Contemporary dance
• Theatrical Clowning and other physical comedy
• Some forms of puppetry
• Theatrical Acrobatics

While performances based around all of the above could equally claim to be "Physical Theatre", the key distinguising factor is a focus on narrative, character and storytelling. However, it is often difficult to draw a distinct boundary between what is and what is not physical theatre, and distinctions are often made quite arbitrarily by critics and performing companies.

More on [ Physical theatre ]

NYT > Theater

Theater Review | 'Eh Joe': Words Fail Him, but Memories Can’t Be Silenced
Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:49:26 -0000
Although it lasts just half an hour, this staging of a Samuel Beckett piece is one of the most wholly satisfying nights I’ve spent at the theater this year.
Theater Review | 'Scenes From an Execution,' 'Crave' and 'Somewhere in the Pacific': Hearts and Minds at War in a Triple Bill of Plays
Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:10:22 -0000
The Potomac Theater Project puts on three plays during its summer residency at Atlantic Stage 2.
Theater Review | '[title of show]': Puttin’ on the Put-On, With Tunes
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:26:46 -0000
“[title of show]” is genial, unpretentious and far funnier than many of the more expensively manufactured musicals that make it to Broadway these days.
In the Berkshires, Some Heavy Hitters, Some Smaller Sluggers
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:46:53 -0000
Marquee-name playwrights, directors and actors lend an air of glamour, fill the houses and help keep the bills paid at the main stages at these Massachusetts festivals.
Theater Listings
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:41:23 -0000
Selective listings from theater critics of The New York Times.
Jets? Yes! Sharks? ¡Sí! in Bilingual ‘West Side’
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:06:10 -0000
More than 50 years after the musical “West Side Story” had its original Broadway premiere, it is set to return in February in a darker, grittier, bilingual revival.

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