Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

Online Course

University of Leeds

Future Learn

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Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
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What is the course about?

Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

The course Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap is an online class provided by University of Leeds through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Learn about Meyerhold’s form of physical theatre, biomechanics, and understand and perform ‘The Slap’.

Course description

2 weeks

This course introduces you to world-renowned Russian director Meyerhold’s technique of biomechanics. It invites you to study and experience first-hand his revolutionary biomechanical étude, ‘The Slap’.
Through a mixture of video, animation, discussion forums and practical exercises you will begin to understand Meyerhold’s Russian actor training technique – a two-minute repeatable exercise used to develop balance, awareness and expression. You will be invited to explore your own response to this unique approach to training and will share these responses with your fellow learners.

Meyerhold and the Russian Revolution: why biomechanics was invented and why he felt it was necessary
Exploring ‘the Slap’ through biomechanical training exercises known as études
Meyerhold in action: working safely by preparing using warm up techniques
‘The Slap’ in action: techniques for the ‘shake and shake’, ‘slap and taking aim’, and ‘the slap and return to neutral’
Production of a video, image or prose demonstrating actions from the études

Explore and discuss events in Russia during the first half of the 20th century to help understand the development of Russian theatre, and the lives of Meyerhold and his contemporaries
Assess your understanding of biomechanics and the études
Reflect on the week’s learning by contributing to the discussion regarding moving in a biomechanical manner
Perform the biomechanics and études warm up activities
Explore the three components of ‘the Slap’
Develop your physical experience of moving biomechanically
Investigate historical examples of writing, still images and moving images and consider how you would like to record your experiences
Assess your understanding by completing the test which concludes the course

This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university.
Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.
The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.
Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Prerequisites & Facts

Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

Course Topic

Creative Arts & Media

University, College, Institution

University of Leeds

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Leeds you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

University of Leeds

Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap

provided by Future Learn

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