Physical theatre is a style of storytelling that uses physical performance as the main means to share a story. The best place to learn about it and see it in action in Calgary is at Theatre A Go-Go, located at the Morpheus Rehearsal Centre of the Parkdale Community Association.
Tanya Lukenoff founded the company in 1987 with a goal of developing and producing innovative movement art, and challenging traditional views of theatre. “That’s really where my passion started with physical theatre," she says. "To turn that into classes and inspire people to live through their body, first and foremost for personal development. The drama and theatre aspect of the class are the tools that allow you to explore your body.”
In 2009 she started teaching courses at Theatre A Go-Go to share her passion. Tanya holds classes at the Parkdale Community Centre, but also goes into schools and home schooling programs to teach a curriculum integrated program called Learning through the Arts. But her lessons aren't only for children: all of her classes are suited to all age groups.
“Physical theatre requires self-awareness in how we express ourselves with our bodies," she says. "Most often we express ourselves through our voice, so we lose touch with our own physicality.”
