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Is physical theatre a new form of exercise?

As a chiropractor in Singapore, I see firsthand how the aging process can affect the body. Many people come to me for help with issues like chronic pain, stiffness, poor function. Many of these are preventable but yet often becomes more pronounced as we grow older.

However, ageing doesn’t mean that we have to simply accept physical discomfort or a decline in function. In fact, many of the common issues such as joint pain, muscle stiffness, and reduced mobility can be managed or even avoided with proactive care. Through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications, many of my patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life as they age.

Today, we explore the potential role physical theatre can play to help Singaporeans achieve peak physical well-being.

Physical exercise in theatre

When it comes to theatre, most people think of a stage filled with actors delivering lines, elaborate costumes, and dramatic lighting. A traditional play where actors stand in front of an audience speaking their lines comes to mind.

Exercise is not something we would normally associate with theatre.

Until we meet physical theatre. Physical theatre is a genre of performance that emphasises the use of the body to convey meaning, emotions, and narrative. It often has minimal reliance on spoken dialogue. There are elements of acting, movement, dance, and focuses on physical expression as the primary mechanism for storytelling. In physical theatre, the body communicates emotions, ideas, and character relationships, allowing performers to express themselves in non-verbal ways that speak directly to the audience’s senses and imagination.

Through physical theatre, participants can engage in movements like jumping, spinning, running, or even acrobatics, all while participating in an emotional and artistic expression. This approach can make people forget that they’re actually “working out” because they’re so involved in the creative aspect of the exercise.

Dr Beverly Yuen: Singapore’s own veteran in physical theatre

physical theatre, beverly yuen, whispering tiger, hidden essence
Amazing show directed by Dr Yuen Image from Grain Performance Researchs Facebook page

I had the privilege of meeting Dr Beverly Yuen last year. She is the Artistic Director of Grain Performance & Research Lab and is a veteran in the physical theatre space. Last year, she directed Give Me The Mountain. It is a physical theatre performance about conquering our own mountains. The “mountain” that transpired this idea came from her traumatic knee injury injury that prevented her from exercising.

Through her personal experience, her performance was targeted at people with limited physical mobility or recovering from injuries, and used the performance as a platform for self-expression.

This year, she worked on Whispering Tiger, Hidden Essence. In this amazing production, she assembled a cast spanning five generations with performers aged 18 to 84! I had the privilege of attending it this evening and was absolutely mind blown.

Physical theatre can be an inclusive space for people with chronic pain and injury

I mean I know there are activities that blend exercise and art. Think ballet, artistic gymnast, figure skating, wushu. However, these exercises are extremely technical and not really suitable for the everyday people. Physical theatre, on the other hand, can be tailored to everyday people and even people with old or even existing injuries.

This is where Dr Beverly Yuen comes in. When I spoke to her post-performance on selection of the cast members, she did mention that she had to turn people away because she wanted to prioritise people from diverse backgrounds and, perhaps, a history of physical injuries. Her work premises on helping people overcome and through theatre demonstrate that people can overcome.

Honestly, during the show, it was not apparent that any of the cast members had a history of being injured or have any physical limitations.

Can physical theatre be a form of exercise?

According to Whispering Tiger, Hidden Essence’s press release, Dr Yuen incorporated resistance band exercises such as leg presses and leg extensions during their training.

The use of resistance band was evident during the opening night when I see cast members performing lower body exercises with resistance band prior to the start of the show.

At the start of the show, there was a segment with TechnoMartial, which is an unique fusion of tai chi, contemporary dance,
and movement. Physical activity, if not exercise, is a key theme in tonight’s show.

The 45-minute performance did appear more like a full cardio workout rather than what we come to expect of theatre performances. The physicality of it, combined with the practice of theatre, puts physical theatre is a potential exercise choice for people who may prefer a more artistic form of physical activity.

Everyone can exercise

chiropractor singapore, jesse cai
Post show discussion with the directors and cast of Whispering Tiger Hidden Essence Photo from Dr Beverly Yuen

I do firmly believe that everyone can exercise. It’s true that not everyone can do the same exercises, but everyone can exercise. Just last week, I came across a clip of intubated patients exercising with the assistance of VR. I think this is a great example of how exercise is possible for everyone.

In my opinion, Dr Yuen demonstrated this well in her show. It is true that we all may have physical limitations, regardless of age. However, that doesn’t mean that we cannot move. In the post-show talk, Dr Yuen spoke of how she checked in regularly with her cast and to make sure that the movements are suitable for them. She also spoke about regressing exercises and movements in view of the past and current injuries of the cast members. This is definitely a great approach to exercising.

We are so used to exercise being something we do in a gym or sports hall. But Dr Yuen’s show challenged this and introduced me to a new form of exercise. Not only does it have elements of mobility, flexibility, and resistance training, it also combines art by introducing dance and theatre.

If you are interested to learn more about physical theatre, feel free to reach out to Dr Yuen’s work via Grain Performance and Research Lab.

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    author avatar
    Dr. Jesse Cai
    Chiropractor

    Jesse, a chiropractor with a unique approach, believes in empowering his clients to lead functional and fulfilling lives. Jesse worked with high-level Australian athletes, including roles such as Head Sport Trainer for Forrestfield Football Club, board member of Sports Chiropractic Australia, and member of Sports Medicine Australia.

    author avatar
    Dr. Jesse Cai Chiropractor
    Jesse, a chiropractor with a unique approach, believes in empowering his clients to lead functional and fulfilling lives. Jesse worked with high-level Australian athletes, including roles such as Head Sport Trainer for Forrestfield Football Club, board member of Sports Chiropractic Australia, and member of Sports Medicine Australia.
    author avatar
    Dr. Jesse Cai Chiropractor
    Jesse, a chiropractor with a unique approach, believes in empowering his clients to lead functional and fulfilling lives. Jesse worked with high-level Australian athletes, including roles such as Head Sport Trainer for Forrestfield Football Club, board member of Sports Chiropractic Australia, and member of Sports Medicine Australia.