Brecht Workshop 2: Gestus

For this workshop, there were two activities that were done. The first activity was Nursery Rhymes and the second one was Still Images.
Nursery Rhymes:
During this activity, we were split in pairs and stood on opposites of the room facing each other. Then we were to choose a nursery rhyme and sing it across the room all at the same time. The aim was to let the other person on the opposite side of the room know what you are singing when they are singing theirs to you. To make that happen we had to use big movements, body language, big gestures, etc.

First, we were shy to express ourselves fully, so we were quiet and used small gestures. Later, we were asked to do it again, and asked to exaggerate our motions. This had helped us to really start using exaggerated motions in the workshops. We had all started to become louder in sound and bigger in actions. Therefore, I thought that this activity was very useful for our learning process.

Still Images:
During this activity, we were split into groups of three and two. Then we were asked to produce 4 images that explain each love, fear, regret, and respect.

Later, we were to narrate whatever was behind the story of the still images.

By presenting stories using still images, puts situations 'under the microscope'. With narrating, the still images are presented into full situations.Therefore situation rather than character is the basis for the action.
This had helped us understand Brecht's concepts of theatre.