Object Score

Object Score is a theatrical method. The aim is to give life to a fictitious/poetical body; an alter ego, an extension of the self, using the body as a landscape for the puppet and vice versa, in order to explore the space and create choreographic motifs. It is a very specific form of choreography for two bodies functioning under the same mind.

The method is suitable for actors, dancers, puppeteers, singers, circus artists. People who master this technique are a rare breed, multi-tasking dreamy creatives, physical puppeteers. As Sally A. Stewart said about the definition of the Total Actor: “An actor’s responsibility isn’t solely about acting, they must understand the art and especially the craft of storytelling.”

– Duda Paiva

Controlling the mindA major task for the puppeteer is to control his mind. If the puppeteer loses focus (even if it’s only for a split second), the puppet dies and the illusion is lost. For the puppet to become alive, the audience needs to believe that the puppet is thinking, that it has a will of its own. Movement should appear to be coming of the puppet itself, as if it’s the puppets’ decision to move. To achieve this, we use focus,- and breathing techniques.

After this, the puppeteer learns to transpose expression to his puppet, using key techniques like: breath, fingertip manipulation, countermovement and split focus. Now, let's start playing!

Controlling the bodyTo bring another entity to life and making it to appear living independently from you, you first need to explore and control your own bodily properties.

Therefore, the first task of the O.S. Puppeteer is to train a high level of consciousness of his body. After this he needs to learn to control his body, exploring its every muscle. To achieve this, we use: the Breathing exercises, Fletcher-Towel Work and Spine articulation.

PREPARATION

Object Score total acting takes preparation. Through consistent and repetitive training the student prepares both his physical body and the inanimate body; the object/puppet that has been chosen to represent an idea.

The student needs to prepare his body and mind before he can transpose expression through his object/puppet, creating a dialogue between himself, the object/puppet and the audience. The Object Score is a method that demands full control of your body and mind. Where a dancer seeks to be seen on stage and to express himself through body language, a puppeteer generally tries not to be seen, giving space to his puppet. In the Object Score technique we do both and we switch from one perspective to the other.

Duda Paiva divided his training into four steps:

To EnvisionThe first task for the actor is to control his mind. If the puppeteer loses focus (even if it’s only for a split second), the puppet/object dies and the illusion is lost. For the puppet to become alive, the audience needs to believe that the puppet is thinking, that it has a will of its own. Movement should appear to be coming from the puppet itself, as if it’s the puppets’decision to move. To achieve this, we use focus,- and breathing techniques.
To ControlTo bring another entity to life and making it to appear living independently from you, you first need to explore and control your own bodily properties.
breath, fingertip manipulation.

Therefore, the first task of the O.S. Puppeteer is to train a high level of consciousness of his body. After this he needs to learn to control his body, exploring its every muscle. To achieve this, we use: the Breathing exercises, Fletcher-Towel Work and Spine articulation.

To TransposeAfter this, the puppeteer learns to transpose expression to his puppet, using key techniques like: breath, fingertip manipulation, countermovement and split focus. Now, start playing, using the tools!
To Let GoPerhaps the most challenging lesson to learn.
The material - foam - is a vehicle of transport.

Techniques

Fletcher Towel TechniquePhysical training is fundamental to manipulate a puppet.Read more
Spine ArticulationThe fine art of precisely coordinated spinal movements.Read more
MaterialFoam resembles the human body and transcends it at the same time.Read more

Tools

BreathBreath sets your body into motion. It's also the motor to move the puppet.Read more
FingertipsThe quality of the puppeteer lies in the quality of his hand movements.Read more
CountermovementCountermovement gives the puppeteer access to a game of to be seen or not to be seen.Read more
Split focusSplit focus is the experience that the puppeteer completely disappears in favor of the puppet.Read more

Video

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