Laban Efforts

In today's lesson we focused on Laban efforts. This technique was created by a theorist names Rudolf Laban and was originally created to cater for dancers but in the 80s it began to be applies in theatre too.

The Laban system can be applies to both speech and movement as one usually influences the other anyway.

For example, a harsh and tough Eastenders character might use the effort of punch or if they're younger perhaps slash to emphasise their confident, strong and not to be messed with persona. This would be juxtaposed by say a princess or fairy that might embody the effort of float or glide depending on the mentality, age and current mood of the character.

Trying out each Laban effort was interesting and whilst doing some it was obvious what stereotypical characters could come out of some of the efforts. It was also difficult at times when the efforts weren't too dissimilar to one another with only one quality among the four changing.

Laban efforts really helped with my character development despite my character not being as extreme as another characters embodiments (e.g Barnadine or Pompey).

I would say that my version of the Provost most often takes up the embodiment of 'glide' because she is sustained in time, she has no need to rush because she is in charge and in control. Her weight is light because she is a woman that isn't fazed by what's going on around her. Her feet are firm on the floor but she has a weightless, graceful look to her. Spatially she is direct because she always knows where she is going and is never lost. She had places to be and people to boss around. Give her attitude and she'll give you professional and fashionable sass. And her flow is free because she has empowerment. She is equal to men and not bound to the floor by society or the weight of the world because she simply doesn't care. The Provost wants justice for her people and never loses a case she wants to win.

Taken from http://keywordsuggest.org/gallery/1281332.html