Jerzy Grotowski
Jerzy Grotowski
=====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jerzy Grotowski was a Polish theatre director, actor, and mime known for his innovative and influential approach to the performing arts.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 11, 1933, in Rzeszów, Poland, Jerzy Grotowski passed away on September 29, 1999.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Polish
Theatre Director, Actor, Mime
Early Life and Background
Grotowski was born into a family of modest means. His father, a high school teacher, encouraged his son's interest in the arts from an early age. Jerzy's mother, a pianist and music teacher, exposed him to classical music and ballet. He began dancing at the age of six and later trained as a mime at the State School of Music in Warsaw.
Major Accomplishments
Grotowski is best known for his pioneering work in the field of physical theatre, which emphasizes the actor's physical presence on stage rather than relying solely on dialogue or elaborate sets. He was instrumental in shaping the concept of "physical theatre," a term he popularized through his work at the Theatre Laboratory (Teatr Laboratorium) in Wrocław, Poland.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions associated with Grotowski include:
Akropolis (1963): A landmark production that pushed the boundaries of physical theatre by using actors as "living sculptures" on stage.
Apocalypsis cum Figuris (1975-76): An immersive, multi-media performance piece that explored themes of existentialism and spirituality.
* Theatre Laboratory's experimentation with non-traditional venues: Grotowski often took his performances outside traditional theatres to engage audiences in unexpected settings.
Impact and Legacy
Grotowski's innovative approach has influenced generations of theatre artists worldwide. His emphasis on physicality, simplicity, and audience participation has inspired a wide range of theatrical styles, from mime and clowning to contemporary dance and site-specific performance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jerzy Grotowski is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful perspectives on the role of theatre in society. His emphasis on the actor's physical presence and the power of silence has inspired a new generation of artists and audiences alike.
Quotes by Jerzy Grotowski
Why are we concerned with art? To cross our frontiers, exceed our limitations, fill our emptiness – fulfil ourselves. This is not a condition but a process in which what is dark in us slowly becomes transparent.
So always avoid banality. That is, avoid illustrating the author’s words and remarks. If you want to create a true masterpiece you must always avoid beautiful lies: the truths on the calender under each date you find a proverb or saying such as: “He who is good to others will be happy.” But this is not true. It is a lie. The spectator, perhaps, is content. The spectator likes easy truths. But we are not there to please or pander to the spectator. We are here to tell the truth.
The important thing is to use the role as a trampoline, a chance to study and play with what is behind our masks. Creativity, especially where acting is concerned, Is boundless sincerity, yet disciplined.
It is not theatre that is indispensable, but something quite different. To cross the frontiers between you and me.
Actors should arouse a sense of wonder because of their ability to exceed what the spectators can envision ever being able to do.
Art is a ripening, an evolution, an uplifting which enables us to emerge from darkness into a blaze of light.
So always avoid banality. That is, avoid illustrating the author's words and remarks. If you want to create a true masterpiece you must always avoid beautiful lies: the truths on the calender under each date you find a proverb or saying such as: "He who is good to others will be happy." But this is not true. It is a lie. The spectator, perhaps, is content. The spectator likes easy truths. But we are not there to please or pander to the spectator. We are here to tell the truth.
The main point then is that an actor should not try to acquire any kind of recipe or build up a "box of tricks." This is no place for collecting all sorts of means of expression.