[September 30, 2007] "Well-Tempered Body" Offers Fresh Perspective on the Work of the Performer Tweet Author and translator Dr. David Petersen has released a new book focusing on expressive movement, a key aspect of training for actors, improvers, and performance artists. Auckland, New Zealand - April 23, 2007 Dr. David Petersen has announced the launch of "The Well-Tempered Body: Expressive Movement for Actors, Improvisers, and Performance Artists". This scholarly yet accessible work provides a unique introduction to physical expression, a key aspect of contemporary performance training. The idea for the book came during a six-year stint with the xHCA program, a renowned interdisciplinary project at the University of Malta. "The actors I encountered at xHCA have created something quite new and exciting based on Stanislavski’s Method of Physical Action. Their efforts to explore the very roots of physical performance inspired me to learn more about the expressive potential of the body in motion, particularly from the perspective of the renowned theater masters of the last century." "The Well-Tempered Body" is the result of nearly six years of research including academic research, documentation of "theater laboratory", and interviews with performers from a number of backgrounds. The work covers the power of physical expression, approaches to expressive range, links between motion of emotion, the plasticity of the body, techniques for structuring improvisations, and broader issues in expressive movement. There are also illustrations, movement charts, reference sections, and mini-biographies of Copeau, Decroux, Barba, and other prominent figures of the 20th century theater. This result is a scholarly but accessible book recommended for anyone intrigued by the nonverbal side of actor training. About the author: David Petersen has a B.Sc. in psychology, and a Ph.D. in theater studies. After more than a decade of practical classroom experience, he is now involved in a variety of writing projects. His latest book, "The Well-Tempered Body: Expressive Movement for Actors, Improvisers, and Performance Artists" is available at http://www.lulu.com/lang-arts and through Amazon and other major vendors. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]