Preface
Let me start by saying that the often overt and severely definitive tone in which this blog is sometimes written, is no more than a characteristic flaw of my all too human personality. Although I express myself passionately in the posts that will follow, I encourage no one to take what I say on face value or blind faith alone. You must test these thoughts and theories against your own experience with an unwavering, yet deeply curious, scepticism. At times I may even contradict myself in order to search for the truth and the clearest way to articulate and conceptualise it, so that I may share what little I come to understand about the world and the craft of acting with others. I’m inevitably going to fail many times but I can think of no better way of doing that, than by running at that brick wall head first.
My aim, first and foremost as a writer and teacher, is to help actors develop a sustainable and healthy relationship towards acting and life. I hope this comes through.
Why do we have imagination? What’s it for? And how can we use it to further our acting?
What is self-consciousness? Why do we have it? And more importantly, how do we get rid of it?
Exploring our capacity for imagination and the ‘suspension of disbelief’ and the barriers that prevent us from immersing ourselves completely into our imaginary worlds and sense of play.
“When did you first start really doubting you wanted to be an actor/artist? Not unsure about financial security or wondering if you're 'good enough'. I mean really doubting it was the thing for you?”
Exploring the importance of vulnerability and resilience in acting and in life.
A post exploring the idea of emotional tolerance, resilience and the tendency towards ‘being comfortable’ in acting.
Second post and an exploration of the unconscious aspects of acting.
The main goal of the artist or performer is not to entertain. This is a misunderstanding borne of ignorance. It is not to simply help an audience escape its reality. This is in fact the opposite of the artist's role.