The Viewpoint technique enables magicians to enrich their performances with an intense presence, spontaneity and emotional authenticity by placing the moment and the audience’s reactions at the center of their performance.
The Viewpoint technique is an acting method that aims to free actors from fixating on their inner thoughts and emotions and instead encourage them to focus on their physical presence in the room, the moment and their relationships with other performers. This technique was developed by renowned choreographer and drama teacher Anne Bogart and theater teacher Tina Landau and has its roots in dance and movement technique. The aim is to give the actors a new perspective on the action and the space, which is created through observation and physical interaction between the actors.
The origins of Viewpoint technology
The Viewpoint technique grew out of Anne Bogart’s experiences and her exploration of various theatrical traditions, including experimental theater work and postmodern dance methods. Bogart and Landau created a method that aims to give actors more freedom and liberate them from the traditional methods of theatrical thinking. The technique is based on the assumption that actors should not only think about words or emotions, but above all about space, time and their physical presence in the moment.
The Viewpoint technique was first developed by Bogart and Landau in the late 1980s when they wanted to take theater practice to a new level. Their aim was to provide actors with a methodological foundation based not only on dialog and text, but also on physical presence and the relationship to the space and to the other performers. They saw theater not only as something that happens in the actors’ heads or on stage, but also as an action in space that is shaped by movement, time and interaction.
Basic principles of the viewpoint technique
The viewpoint technique focuses on nine key “viewpoints” or angles that allow actors to expand their perception and relate their actions on stage to each other. These viewpoints encompass both spatial and temporal dimensions and relate to the way actors react to their surroundings and their fellow actors.
Space
Space is the first fundamental angle of the viewpoint technique. Actors learn how to use the space they are in and how their movements unfold through the space. It’s not just about moving, but also about how movement is perceived in space. This includes exploring size, shape, structure and the relationship between the actors and the space. Actors develop a better understanding of how they can shape the space on stage, both through their position and through their interaction with other performers.
Time (Time)
The second perspective in the viewpoint technique is time. This is about understanding time as something that is flexible and that actors can influence. Actors learn to coordinate their movements and actions in accordance with time, without necessarily adhering to a strict time frame. Time can be manipulated through pauses, acceleration, deceleration or the simultaneous experience of time on different levels.
Repetition (Repetition)
Repetition is another key angle in the viewpoint technique. The idea is that by repeating certain movements, actions or interactions between the actors, a deeper meaning is created. This repetition does not have to be identical, but can change with each repetition, offering a new perspective and an expanded perception of what is happening. Actors learn to engage with the repetition to create a deeper emotional and physical connection to the scene.
Shape
Form refers to the physical shape of objects, bodies and the entire scene. Actors are encouraged to consciously engage with the form of objects and movements. This involves the conscious shaping of the body and the use of forms that can be found both in movement and in static positions. Shapes on stage can have metaphorical or symbolic meaning, giving the space a layer of meaning in addition to the pure set-up.
The Meisner technique
Movement
Movement is a central component of the viewpoint technique. It is not just about the physical act of walking or interacting, but also about how each movement is consciously executed by the actors in resonance with the scene. Actors learn to place movements in harmony with space and time, making the whole scene more dynamic and fluid.
Tension (Tension)
Tension refers to the emotional and physical state created by the conflict or interaction between the actors. This tension can be both subtle and dramatic, but it always remains consistent with the plot and characters. Actors learn how to build and release tension to create a deeper emotional impact and capture the audience’s attention.
Volume (Projection)
Volume or projection refers not only to the volume of the voice, but also to the way a presence is perceived on stage. It’s about how actors send their energy into the room to amplify both their physical and emotional presence. An actor can fill the space with their voice and posture in a way that captures the audience’s attention without necessarily speaking loudly.
Direction
Direction refers to the orientation of movement and actions. It is about how actors move in space and in relation to each other and how they direct their attention to different parts of the scene or their fellow actors. By consciously controlling the direction of movement, actors can actively shape the scene and direct the audience’s attention.
Kinesthetic perception (kinesthetic response)
The kinaesthetic perception perspective focuses on physical sensation and the body’s reactions to various movements and interactions. Actors develop a greater awareness of their physical presence and learn to react intuitively to the physical impulses of their fellow actors.
The application of the viewpoint technique in practice
The viewpoint technique is primarily used when working with ensemble groups, as it places a strong emphasis on interaction and spontaneity. It enables actors to develop a strong physical presence on stage and to constantly review and redesign their performance.
In practice, the viewpoint technique is often taught through improvisation exercises and movement tasks. Actors learn to use their bodies and movements to shape the scene, focusing less on text and dialog and more on the physical and relational aspects of performance.
An example of a viewpoint technique exercise is the “space walk”, in which actors walk through the space, examining their own flow of movement and their reactions to the environment. This exercise helps the actors to develop a better understanding of the space and to perform their movements freely and without constraint.
Advantages of the viewpoint technique for actors
The viewpoint technique offers numerous advantages for actors:
Increased body awareness: Actors develop a strong sense of their own body and movements, which leads to a freer and more natural performance.
Promoting spontaneity: By working with interaction in space and constantly changing perspectives, the actors are forced to react to every situation with fresh perception.
Better ensemble work: The technique emphasizes the interplay and interaction between the actors, which leads to a stronger connection and cooperation within the ensemble.
Creative freedom: As the Viewpoint technique places little emphasis on fixed texts, it gives actors the freedom to develop and express their own creative interpretation of the scene.
Criticism of viewpoint technology
Despite the many positive aspects, there are also critical voices about the viewpoint technique. Some actors find that the technique focuses too much on physical presence and that the emotional depth or development of characters can suffer as a result. Others find the technique too abstract or difficult to understand, as it offers fewer concrete rules and instructions than more traditional acting methods. Nevertheless, the viewpoint technique has its place in modern acting and is appreciated by many theater groups as a valuable tool.
Conclusion
The Viewpoint technique is an innovative approach to acting that gives actors the freedom to shape their performances through the conscious use of space, movement and interaction. By focusing on the moment, physical presence and relationship with fellow performers, the technique becomes a powerful tool to help actors break free from the rigid structure of traditional techniques and find new forms of creative expression.
The Viewpoint technique has enriched the theater world and inspired many actors and companies to explore their performances in new and unconventional ways. It remains a valuable method for actors who want to sharpen their perception and expand their performing skills.