The focus of this book rests on an investigation into the links between Laban and
Aristotle and aims at proposing a new approach to movement training for the actor.
In contrast to the standard Platonic reading, Laban’s development is best understood
through the conceptual framework of Aristotle. This not only provides a more secure
theoretical approach, but a practical one as well, which establishes the art of movement
as a science. This investigation intends to establish Laban’s philosophical foundation
upon a reading of Aristotle’s Poetics, and in particular, on the reading of the Poetics by
contemporary Greek philosopher Stelios Ramfos in his two-volume book ΜIΜΗΣΙΣ
ΕΝΑΝΤΙΟΝ ΜΟΡΦΗΣ Ἐξήγησις είς το Περί Ποιητικής τοῦ Ἀριστοτέλους (MIMESIS
VERSUS FORM Exegesis about Aristotle’s Poetics) (1991-1992). What is significant
about Stelios Ramfos’ exegesis is that he attempts an analysis and interpretation
of the concepts of the Poetics in terms of theatre performance. Ιt is this emphasis
on performance that makes the task I have embarked upon possible. The discussion
will serve as a critical framework that will propose a new way of applying Laban’s
movement concepts to the movement training for actors in practice. The research
methodology is also practical. I will therefore also develop and present a performance
that attempts to apply Laban’s terms, as these are discussed, in relation to Aristotle, and in
relation to the new methodology as well as a syllabus of practical classes addressing
actor movement training in both kinaesthesia and characterization. The ultimate goal
of the project is to contribute an approach that can inform the way Laban’s concepts
are taught and provide suggestions for structuring technical movement classes for
actors.
Kiki Selioni is a movement teacher and acting coach in various drama schools and
institutions in both Greece and the United Kingdom. She has completed studies in
dance theatre at the Laban Centre in London (BA and MA, City University). She holds
a doctorate in Movement Training for Actors and in Acting, attributed by the Royal
Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London). She is currently involved
in a post-doctorate research project regarding a complete acting method based
on Laban’s works and Aristotle’s theory.