“As the shadow follows the body”: examining Chekhov’s creation of character through “Eastern” practices

Michael Chekhov’s theatre studio in Dartington Hall, Devon, opened in October 1936. As part of the opening, there was a performance given by Indian dancer Uday Shankar, who was one of the many international artists to visit or be based in Dartington. After seeing Shankar perform, Chekhov said:

What does it mean to do something with our whole being? Shankar can lift one eyebrow and we say – how beautifully he dances. Words are so clever but movement is simpler. Therefore we can begin our work with movement, with Psychological Gesture, and let the words come on the movement. Your body must say the words.