The Bodymind Connection: Asian Practices and the Transformation of Western Theatre

Abstract

"This paper explores the profound influence of Asian theatrical traditions on 20th-century Western theatre. Artaud’s seminal encounter with Balinese theatre inspired his concept of a ‘physical language’ beyond words. This notion catalyzed a broader Western turn towards Eastern practices, emphasizing the actor's body as a primary medium for performance. The discussion highlights the divergent applications of Asian techniques among practitioners.
Central to this analysis is the evolution of the psychophysical actor—a concept rooted in Stanislavski’s late work, further developed through contemporary neuroscience and psychology. This paradigm posits a seamless integration of body and mind, enabling actors to cultivate an ‘inner improvisation’ that transcends textual interpretation. Drawing on practices like tai chi, kalarippayattu, and yoga, practitioners refine their somatic awareness, fostering a state of heightened presence and responsiveness, or ‘bodymind’.
The paper argues that the integration of Asian techniques not only enriched the technical repertoire of Western actors but also redefined the ontology of acting itself. By prioritizing the actor’s embodied experience and dissolving the dichotomy between text and performance, these innovations laid the groundwork for contemporary devised theatre and the actor-as-creator paradigm."