Anyone can perform! Yes, I said
it…anyone! However, what differentiates effective performers from those who
are not is the ability to ‘connect’ with the audience. This sounds simple but
for most this is skill, which must be developed. In “Why I do theater,”
Patsy Rodenburg
talks about being present while acting/performing. Acting and music are so
integrated and I feel this is the real reason why effective performances are so
inspirational, sought after and important. She mentions “If you cannot be
present, you cannot succeed.” If you cannot grab the attention of the audience,
you don’t have a job. If you cannot make them feel the text or see what is
occurring, you don’t have a job. If you are timid, indecisive, confused in your
performance or in the application of your craft, you will not have a job long.
Example: Prisoners/inmates are always present. They cannot
sleep, relax, and become unfocused because their lives are at stake even behind
the walls of the penitentiary. They are present.
The
Second Circle is what Rodenburg describes as the place we should operate as
performers. She describes the 1st and 3rd circles also. I
have included a brief explanation of each of the three circles below:
1st Circle Energy: Energy that falls back into
you. It’s all inward energy.
2nd Circle Energy: Exchange of energy between two
people or two things. Special Connection with something (reading a book, church
experience, intimate experience). Circle of survival. Give and the take of
being present. The circle of absolute intimacy. Equality. "Being present, being engaged, being connected."
3rd Circle Energy: Generalized energy that is
‘pushed’ out. The people that take your space. Voices are too loud, the chest
is up and it is dangerous. Very controlling. Superficial energy.
You sometimes need 1st Circle Energy, we
sometimes need 3rd Circle Energy, but we always need 2nd
Circle Energy because this causes you to BE. To be active in your performance.
It becomes easy to perform but you must first get there.
Rodenburg talks about one of her performances in which an audience member shuffled throughout. After most of the people were gone, he came up to her and told her he didn't like theatre. The play was about the Women of Troy. He continued to say how certain noises the actress made were disgusting to him and how "he and his wife just didn't like it, [they] just didn't like theatre." After a while, he explained to Rodenburg, policeman came to his home a couple of years ago and told him that his daughter had been raped. He made the same sound.
When you put something out into the atmosphere you are
responsible for the change and influence which takes place. It will either be positive or
negative (you cannot control this); however your goal is to make sure you are connected and stay there.
Do not lose your place because the moment you do you will lose your audience. How can you identify and relate with what you
are displaying if you are not present. If you play, create or sing the truth
(stay truthful to yourself and your craft) and you’re present; you may think
you are not being liked, appreciated, etc (based on facial expressions,
comments, etc) but the audience will grow to appreciate the fact that you tell
them the truth. They will have no choice to respect your position as a
musician, actor, producer, etc because you do not lie and are actively involved
when presenting your craft.
This video post has been a good refresher and also a new way to look at something which is so dear to me, performing. I hope the same can be said of you after you've had the opportunity to view it.
This video post has been a good refresher and also a new way to look at something which is so dear to me, performing. I hope the same can be said of you after you've had the opportunity to view it.
Patsy Rodenburg: Why I do theater
Patsy Rodenburg: The Second Circle
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