The 7 levels of tension (created by Jacques Lecoq) are used within performance as a guideline to the amount of tension in the body. These levels can easily be adapted and manipulated to created any desired effect that the artist/ performer wishes to portray.
I will be exploring each level throughout my work ranging from still/ slow movement (Level 1/2) to quick cuts and fast paced editing (Level 6/7). I feel the these 7 levels will give the project a coherent structure and as a result enable me to explore my ideas in a structured way.
1 Exhausted or catatonic. There is no tension in the body at all. Begin in a complete state of relaxation. If you have to move or speak, it is a real effort.
2 Laid back. Many people live at this level of tension. Everything you say is cool, relaxed, probably lacking in credibility. The casual throw-away line – “I think I’ll go to bed now”.
3 Neutral or the “Economic”. It is what it is. There is nothing more, nothing less. The right amount. No past or future. You are totally present and aware. It is the state of tension before something happens. Think of a cat sitting comfortably on a wall, ready to leap up if a bird comes near. You move with no story behind your movement.
4 Alert or Curious. Look at things. Sit down. Stand up. Indecision. Levels 1 - 4 are our everyday states.
5 Suspense or the Reactive. The crisis is about to happen. All the tension is in the body, concentrated between the eyes. There’s a delay to your reaction. The body reacts.
6 Passionate (opera). The tension has exploded out of the body. Anger, fear, hilarity, despair. It’s difficult to control.
7 Tragic. Body can’t move. Petrified. The body is solid tension.
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