By Humaira
Grotowski’s approach to
acting was through ‘Poor Theatre’. He named his theatre ‘poor’ because it was
the opposite of the western ‘rich’ theatre. Grotowski made the actor’s voice
and body central to the performance. Grotowski also believed in contact between
the actor and the audience. His performance consisted of stationary light, no
masks and very simple costumes. Although, during his rehearsals only a black
set and black costumes were used. It was important that his actors had complete
control over their bodies, their breathing and their voice. Therefore,
Grotowski used strenuous and vigorous physical and spiritual exercises. Reality was very important to Grotowski, like
Stanislavski, and he declared that you cannot play death because you have never
experienced it. He believed you should not act out something you have never
experienced. The key idea behind the ‘Poor Theatre’ was that theatre can exist
without make-up, lighting, effects, costumes, props or scenery. The core is the
actors and audiences direct communication.
