The embodied nature of physical theater: artistic expression, emotions, interactions

The nature of physical theater can facilitate understanding of the complex characteristics of embodied movement . Given also the scarcity of empirical studies in the area , the purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological, and temporal study was to thoroughly examine the embodied nature of physical theater (e.g. unity of body and mind) within different aspects of movement, such as performativity, communication with others, and emotional expression. Seven undergraduate students (Mage = 20.43 ± 1.28 years old) enrolled in a semester-long physical theater class at a major Southeastern US university. Based on the qualitative, phenomenological analysis, three physical theater themes emerged regarding improved embodied sensations over the class period: a) embodied artistic expression (e.g. body-mind unison; sense of flow; physical theater as a form of exercise), b) embodied emotions (e.g. body and mind in emotion, expressing emotions freely), and c) embodied interactions (e.g. body, mind, and emotion in communication; more attentive to body language; communicating with the audience). In the field of Performing Arts, viewing movement holistically as an end in itself can bring about senses of fulfillment, body awareness, improved consciousness, and increased value of physical culture (value of creative movement), and well-being.