Movement Metaphor and Its Significance in the Theatrical Actor’s Performance

Abstract

Human beings have long relied on movement as a means of communication. Gestures and dances were not merely random movements; rather, they carried religious, social, and magical meanings. Over time, these movements became foundational to theatrical art and developed into a means of expressing emotions and desires. In theatre, movement is no longer merely an instrument of execution; it has become an essential component of performance, playing a significant role in conveying meanings and symbols and in constructing relationships within the theatrical work. From this perspective emerged the concept of movement metaphor.

The research is divided into four chapters. The first chapter addresses the research problem through the following central question: How does the actor employ the everyday movements of society, appropriate them, and make use of them in theatrical performance on stage? The chapter also discusses the significance and objective of the research and provides definitions of its key terms.

The second chapter comprises two sections:

1. Movement metaphor and its intellectual foundations in the actor’s performance.
2. Movement metaphors in the actor’s performance in world theatre.

The chapter concludes with the indicators derived from the theoretical framework. The third chapter is devoted to an analysis of the play The Flood, which constitutes the research sample, followed by the findings and conclusions. The study concludes with a list of sources and references.