Research Portfolio: Jacques Lecoq

Introduction:

Jacques Lecoq was a French actor, mime and acting instructor. His most notable work is in the performing field of Physical Theatre, movement and mime. He taught most of his work to his students at the school he founded in Paris which is named L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. 

How Has Jacques Lecoq Influenced Physical Theatre As A Whole:

Lecoq had taught Physical Education for several years across the world but mostly in his homeland of France. He had later went on to act. He worked with a company called 'Comediens de Grenoble'. He had also worked a lot on Commedia, this had evidently introduced him to Mime, masks and the physicality of performance which he would later use as his own. He had also worked with Dario Fo whom was a famous actor, playwright and clown. He opened his school in 1956 in Paris and had taught there until his death. His teachings are still being produced to this day at the same school in France and elsewhere for possibilities of evolving the craft of his work.

One of the aims that Jacques Lecoq had as a teacher was that he had encouraged his students to investigate ways of the arts that suited them best. He wanted to nurture the creativity of the performer instead of giving them a specific set of skills. This was intended because otherwise he would only have one type of performer and not a variety. Lecoq never told students what was right in a performance, he just encouraged them to try new avenues of creative expression. His training did involve a lot of mask work, he often used a natural faced mask so the emphasis was put on the physical expression of the performer. After he felt his students had mastered the physical mannerisms he would make the mask smaller while also encouraging them to keep the physical behavior. This was a great technique used by Lecoq, as it allowed the actor to focus on one thing at a time, making it easier to get both the facial and physical expression to the best it can be. 

Jacques Leqoc had designed another part of his school which was designed specifically to look at the art of Stagecraft, Sceneography and Architecture. This was a great addition to the school as it allowed his performers the chance to collaborate with stage designers and also get a feel for that part of the business other than the acting. 

Who Has Jacques Lecoq Influenced In Theatre?

Because Lecoq encouraged that students followed their own path instead of being given a set of skills, he managed to teach and influence a variety of different people in the entire performing arts industry ranging from comedians, directors and choreographers. Here are 5 people that he had influenced:

Steven Berkoff - Actor, Theatre Director and Writer. 

Geoffrey Rush - Actor.

Ariane Mnouchkine. Theatre Director and founder of 'Théâtre du Soleil'.

Philipe Gaulier - Actor and a Pedagogue. 

Rene Bazinet - Actor.

Lecoq had influenced many other different performers in the performing arts industry, this was through his abilities in mime, physical work and also through his professional teaching. 

Conclusion: What Do I Think About Jacques Lecoqs' Style Of Theatre?

Since Jacques Lecoq had been influenced by the style of Commedia dell'Arte, in terms of it's useage of masks, I feel comfortable to say that this is my personal favorite of all Physical Theatre styles.

It's my personal favorite style because Jacques Lecoq works more on the masks and bodily movements of the actor and he also encourages them to make creative, risky decisions in their roles without negativity. When it comes to having performances without the use of masks, the actors still perform as though they were wearing it still by using facial expressions which is what I like to do in all my performances to show character development when it comes to their opinion towards certain things.

Another thing I like as well as the masks is the dancing and miming that is used in Lecoq performances. I think it's just more interesting to watch in general opposed to just a person walking around on stage speaking lines. It gives me more of connection towards the character on stage as the actor is physical showing who he is instead of telling everyone. The dancing is just impressive to watch also as it takes time to choreograph and perfect the piece.

I hope that in the future of my acting career I'll get the chance to go more in-depth with this style of Physical Theatre and devise plays with more Physical movement than Verbal.