THEATRE AND SELF AWARENESS
- MANJUL BHARADWAJ
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The moment you think of theatre, the process starts of self-exploration. It is two way process, as person and as performer (performer include, actor, writer, director, conductor, musical, lights man, craftsman, designer etc., every personal required/ involve in Theatre). You look (perform) inside before you express (Perform) outside.
It starts from self-assessment. Your strengths and areas to work which enhance your capabilities (Strength). Theatre by birth is a medium is a medium of communication. Communication means expression. Expression is the need of every Human being.
Every human being has the Will and capacity to communicate. But the intensity & frequency (of the required matter to be communicated) is more or less. This causes the problems i.e. like listening, speaking, speech patterns, spontaneity, common sense, presence of mind etc. This problem can be tacked by theatre.
It starts from the confidence rather collecting your breathing to get in touch with the feelings-putting together, making decision with a little risk and than speak out. This leads your journey to the character means analysis of self. Who am I? What have I to perform? Where? For whom? When? Etc., the questioning starts with self.
As many layers you explore of character for charactisation as many layers you reveal of yourself with authenticity, courage and conviction. Your imagination, visualization kicks off very fast on rapid scale. The outer behaviour comes in great influence, which touch your feelings in depth, attitude and finally your values. The values decide your personality. The way you lead your, life. Theatrical processes assert you, accepts you and projects you which no other medium does with your personality in TOTALITY.
For instance, a comparative study of processes in Theatre For Theatre and Theatre For Community, summarized below:
EFFECT ON
PROCESS | ACTOR | SUFFERER
1) Self Assessment| Acknowledgement of acting skills |Acknowledgement of self-deprivation
2) Understanding of play| Involvement with the play| Understanding of social dilemma/ trauma
3) Understanding the role |Works on character |Acknowledging the need to change
4) Rehearsal |Leads to performance |Acquaintance with strategy of change
5) Performance| Audience appreciation |Self change
6) Repeat of performance |To preserve cultural heritage |Sustaining change leading towards real preservation of human and cultural values
EFFECT ON
PROCESS | WRITER | SUFFERER
1. Social happenings/ social events| Writes on that issue| Writes on self
2. Analysis of Issue |Evolve the formal & content of the play |experience Evolve the self
3. Dramatize the issue |Actual Scripting| Self-portrayal
4. Theatrical Expression| May lead to fiction and fantasy| Real story presentation
PROCESS | DIRECTOR| SUFFERER
1. Understanding the play| Visualizing the play | Visualizing change
2. Mobilising actors| Play rehearsal |Community involvement
3. Removing blocks of actors| Smoothening the play presentation| Community understanding coming together unity to fight for rights
4. Directs |Performance| Group work presentation
5. Performance| Name/ fame/ survival as professional |Change self/ survival self satisfaction
6. Repeat performance| Use theatrical skillsVery vague designing of TheoryCultural impact not assessable |Enrich theatre potentialVery certain belief that theatre brings changeChange is assessable
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