Jerzy Grotowski

                                                                                                                                    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.