Lecture Recap | Ella Jarochevich's Lecture "Physical Theatre and Modern Stage Performance" Successfully Held: A Master Teaches You to Speak with Your Body
On October 22, 2025, Ella Jarochevich, a renowned French master of physical theatre, was invited to the Communication University of China. In Classroom 1012, Building 48, she delivered a special lecture titled "Physical Theatre and Modern Stage Performance." Drawing from her extensive exploration in the field of physical theatre, Professor Ella shared unique insights on stage performance and led the attending students through a variety of physical training exercises.
This lecture was organized by the Performance Department of the School of Drama, Film and Television. Faculty members Qin Hui, Cui Jinghan, Lin Ting, and Song Qi from the Performance Department attended the event, with Sun Deyuan, Deputy Head of the Performance Department, serving as the host. The lecture attracted enthusiastic participation from undergraduate students across all years majoring in performance, graduate students in theatre creation and art studies, as well as numerous students interested in physical theatre, generating a warm and lively response.
The lecture featured Chen Xu, a France-based artist and theatre director, as the teaching assistant and on-site interpreter. At the beginning of the event, host Sun Deyuan introduced Professor Ella in detail to the faculty and students present and extended a sincere welcome for her first visit to the Communication University of China.
Ella Jarochevich, a French-Polish master of physical theatre, is recognized as a foundational figure in 20th-century European modern physical theatre. She was not only the first mime teacher at the Paris Opera Ballet School but also a core instructor at the Marcel Marceau International Mime School. Additionally, she is a member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO.
Professor Ella began by discussing the sanctity of the stage and the rehearsal space. Through a series of warm-up exercises, she guided the students to fully engage their senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, emphasizing the crucial role of the "five senses" in stage performance. During the physical training session, she highlighted the core concept of the lecture: touch is the primary sense when performers interact with objects, while the perception of gravity is a fundamental basis for stage expression.
"When we like someone, it is our instinct to straighten our chest and move closer, just as we instinctively step back when facing someone we dislike." During the lecture, Professor Ella also drew from her own performance experience to provide an in-depth analysis of how "perception" influences an actor's body language and how physicality, in turn, affects the conveyance of emotion.
The lecture was dynamic and substantial. Liu Haoyuan, a freshman from the Class of 2025 in the Performance Department, shared: "Professor Ella's lecture has elevated my understanding of performance to a new level. It made me consider expressing character not just through the character's lines, but by utilizing physicality more extensively." With her profound artistic expertise, engaging teaching style, and vibrant energy, Professor Ella earned widespread acclaim from the attending faculty and students, offering every participant a fresh perspective on the art of performance.
"I am truly delighted to see so many young, smiling faces. May you always keep your hearts young." At the conclusion of the lecture, Professor Ella extended her sincere wishes to all the teachers and students. Amid warm applause, the event successfully concluded, leaving participants with profound inspiration and reflection on the art of performance.
