Friday 12 June 2009

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

IT’S THE PROJECT THAT COUNTS

SATURDAY JUNE 6/09, TORONTO, ONTARIO

Many great moments of truth arise when I find myself conducting a play practice such as a session today on working out details for the drama “The Witness.” A person who I handpicked for a part ended up not being fit for the role. He was relieved when I suggested he consider another minor role. Initially I was reluctant to say something to him fearing he might feel rejected. Perhaps I would even hurt his ego. All went well after his internal tension and mine subsided and the truth of one’s niche was revealed.

Some actors are less co-operative and don’t take to direction as well as others. That’s normal in any facet of life or any sector of society. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you repeat an instruction the recipient is able but not willing to take the direction. These become great dramatical moments and they can be spontaneously explosive, rarely though in a devotional atmosphere. It has happened.

When it does your cast can freeze during such fireworks which are both special effects. You get both the animate and inanimate going on at the same time.

At such times the art of patience has its chance to manifest and when the dust settles one may be given the opportunity to unfreeze uneasiness and activate again what you are set out to do – to perform. After all, the show must go on!

The jumping into the rehearsal again, engaging in the project is what cures all. It’s the project that must prevail over ego, the mission that overrides everything. It’s not the actor but the entire cast that counts.

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