Laban Recap

Weight:  Heavy —————-Light

Space:      Direct —————Indirect

Time:       Quick—————-Slow

So what do the above mean if applied to the VOICE?

Weight:

• Heavy = stressed words
• Light = throw away/ casual delivery

Space:

• Direct =  A forceful, idea, well developed and pre-thought through, said to a clear target.
• Indirect = An idea which is being formulated as you say it, un-planned (spontaneous).

Time:

• Quick {obviously to do with pace}
• Slow (slow pace or slow motion delivery, elongated words *especially with vowel sounds)

What to look out for in the performances of others or to apply to your own performances.

• What words are stressed? EMPHASIS
• What words have onomatopoeic qualities? [see diagram above]
• What words were elongated?
• What words are direct (pre-planned)? – which are indirect – Invented or ‘coined’ in the spur of the moment? (spontaneous)
• PAUSES: how are these used / helpful?
• Which words are illustrated with GESTURE, POSTURE/POSES, FACIAL EXPRESSION?

Apply the above to analyse Berkovian performances or put into your work to achieve a Berkovian style.

USE THE PUNCTUATION PROVIDED

• Looking for words that can become onomatopoeic to use the full range of our vocal skills
  • Finding moments in the text that allowed for the use of an action or gesture.
  • Identifying changes in atmosphere/mood/pace; to reveal where key turning points occurred (almost like a unit of text).