Where did physical theatre come from?

The concept of physical theater can be traced back to ancient Greece, where dramatic performances involved a great deal of physical movement and gesture. The Greeks believed that the body was an instrument of expression that could convey emotions and ideas as effectively as words. This tradition was continued by the Romans, who used physical theater in their comedies and farces.

During the Middle Ages, physical theater was suppressed by the Church, which saw it as a form of pagan entertainment. However, it survived in folk plays and street performances. In the Renaissance, physical theater began to flourish again, inspired by the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman drama.

The 20th century saw a renewed interest in physical theater, with the development of new techniques and approaches. This was partly due to the influence of modern dance, which emphasized the expressive potential of the body. Physical theater companies such as the Living Theatre, the Bread and Puppet Theater, and the Wooster Group began to explore new ways to use the body in performance.

Today, physical theater is a vital part of the contemporary theater scene. It is used in a wide variety of productions, from experimental theater to mainstream musicals. Physical theater allows actors to express themselves in ways that are not possible with words alone, creating powerful and moving performances.