030: Beyond the Steps: Shelley Maxwell on the Distinct Worlds of Movement Direction & Choreography
"Sometimes if you're working one-on-one with actors, what is it that they need? How can you work together collaboratively to create movement or embodiments of characters that is going to feel fulfilling to them as people, as actors, but also will be checking the boxes for what's needed."
Shelley Maxwell
In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen Moynihan is joined by award-winning Choreographer, Movement Director and Intimacy Director Shelley Maxwell. They discuss her wide-ranging career across musicals, plays, and feature films; and the nuanced differences between choreography and movement direction - distinct roles that call for different skills. Shelley also explores movement as an emotional language, how actors embody feeling, and the ways that movement directors can support that process. Finally, she reflects on the growing recognition of movement practitioners and how industry awards help highlight their vital contributions.
About Shelley Maxwell
Shelley Maxwell works as a Choreographer, Movement specialist and intimacy professional in the Theatre, TV and Film industry. She originally trained as a contemporary dancer and choreographer, but now her work crosses multi-disciplines and appears on numerous stages in the West End, on tv screens for some of the biggest streaming giants including Netflix, and Amazon and also on the Big Screens of cinema land. She most recently choreographed on Netflix’s “The Witcher” and is about to begin working as Choreographer for “The Boy who harnessed the wind” at the RSC.
Takeaways
Not every choreographer will make a good movement director.
The skill sets are so greatly different.
Emotional expression is crucial in movement direction.
Different actors have unique techniques for processing emotions.
Understanding body language is key in movement direction.
Collaboration with actors enhances the movement direction process.
Choreography and movement direction require distinct approaches.
The body can express emotions in various ways.
Actors' techniques influence the overall performance.
Movement direction is a collaborative effort.
Links
Black British Theatre Awards - Black British Theatre Awards | Celebrating Excellence in Cutting-Edge Performances
Shelley’s website - Shelley Maxwell | Choreographer, Movement Director and Intimacy Director
Shelley’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maxwell_shelley/
To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.