Facial expression for stage reality: A study based on novices

Abstract

This paper mainly focuses on the facial expression dealing with emotion in acting. Facial expression and gesture are two of the most important aspects of theatre acting. These two, combined together express physical and psychological qualities of a character. The face being the centre of expression, it should be closely scrutinized. In character simulation, the face plays an important role to communicate clearly and effectively with the audience. In the subject of exaggerated nature for stage, it should be considered how actors use their face during performance. According to the observation in Jaffna theatre, the facial expression of novices during performance and practice is insufficient and inappropriate. The chief object of this research is to examine how to increase the quality and quantity of the facial expression for novices. The appropriate models of analytical finding of facial expression for practice and performance are gathered and systematized from society, traditional theatre and rasa theory of Natyasastra, and introduced to novices (target group) in the recorded form. The other important thing in this research is that the acting skill would be improved by revealing culture-based facial expression. The present analysis contains three components: facial expression in contemporary stage performances in Jaffna; real life, traditional theatre and theory; and finally the particular signs of facial expression for novices in a cultural context. Qualitative data analysis is employed to this research by using the method of observation and PAR (Practice as Research) to gather data. This research is expected to contribute a strong expressive culture for Tamil theatre.