Spatial projection: extended perception for theatre creators through the practice of Chinese martial arts

Abstract

The practice of Zhōngguó Wuˇshù 中国武术, the Chinese martial arts, can train us to project our imaginations and felt senses into the empty space around our bodies. Developing this skill of spatial projection, we transfer the sensitivity we have at close tactile and visual range to spaces beyond our reach. We learn to experience the empty space around us as though it were a positive object or substance. In this article, I propose a pathway to spatial projection moving from solo martial movement or tàolù 套路, to the martial partner games of tuī shǒu 推手 or ‘pushing hands’, and nián jiàn 黏剑 or ‘sticking sword’. The possibilities of perception and action these practices reveal can be shared as aesthetic innovations, appealing to the imaginations of our eventual audiences. Drawing on my martial and theatrical practices on the one hand, and a detailed study of Chinese cultural history on the other, I share methods and perspectives that develop spatial projection for the benefit of creators, performers, teachers, and scholars.