Thursday, October 15, 2009

Connectivity

So yeah. Connectivity. Everything is connected to everything else, right? Somehow...

Watching George at training on Sunday, and then hearing Walker compare him to a cop straight out of a Chaplin film, it just furthered my sense that, first, what we do as a group is amazing, and second, that I need to scratch this itch that's been nagging at me...

We are in the process of learning and cultivating a style of Indian dance that's new to us but that's been around for ages and ages and ages. And throughout this past month and a half, I have heard several comments (and made them myself) how this style/approach "reminds me of" Grotowski, Suzuki, etc. And George's proposition was proof in the pudding (you like those p's, don't you?) that Commedia Dell'Arte (also around for ages and ages!) is immediately applicable and transferable as well...

I suppose my point is this: (I can only speak for myself, but I imagine there's similar sentiment amidst the ensemble.) I must embrace the fear of the unknown. Yes, Bharata Natyam is a beast of a style, but I must trust that both my physical body, my life-body, and the collective body of the ensemble will know what to do. Because I/we do know or have dabbled in these other styles and techniques that give me the power and knowledge to meet this production and style full on, from the inside out.

The dots are beginning to connect even more for me. I can use what I know to create a template from which to launch/pull/work/push/play/reach/create/throw/dance in order to discover that which I do not know.

Embrace the fear and trust the connectivity to pursue the continuity...

See you Sunday
Taylor

3 comments:

Wendy said...

Embracing the fear of the unknown feels like the perfect mantra for acting, life and diving into this ancient Indian text. I would like to add that I really really really want to keep connecting with the FUN and the JOY and the PLAYFULNESS that can come every time we open ourselves to the unknown, and trust our life-bodies. I think this script is rich with the opportunity to cultivate fun, joy and playfulness for ourselves so that we can share it with others. I would like to approach my private rehearsal time with an alapadmakaha attitude.

: ) Wendy

jarde said...

Embracing the unknown is always an enormous challenge and one that I find changes us as individuals. Which is why it is so scary. No Taylor you are not alone this style is intimidating, just like the first day of school, your first audition, your first date. Clearly time changes our perception of all of these events. Its no different with this style. The more we are exposed the less intimidating it becomes one day at a time. I totally agree with your statement Wendy, a sense of play is needed in order to truly enjoy this art form.


Jarde

Magis Theatre Company said...

Yes, yes, yes. Play is the only place we can really surrender in the process, and surrendering is the only thing that will allow us to make breakthroughs.
Speaking of play... just wait until we watch "Kung Fu Hustle" together next week!