Acting is a craft that must be learned by experience. People often dismiss acting as a craft or an art stating simply that "anyone can do it." The craft of acting is not about who can do it; it is about the why and how. Why do we go through the emotions, events, and thoughts in our lives? How do we deal with the constant struggle of everything in our lives? Theatre asks the audience to explore the human condition and provide commentary on the human condition. A thoughtful and provoking play or film should have the audience thinking at the end of it about the important aspect of the human condition it explored or the social issue it brought up. Acting is not simply meant to entertain; it is meant to inform, educate, and change.
It may sound cliche that theatre should cause change; however, upon a closer look, it is a valid and extraordinary point. Why is a film or play "good?" It had some sort of effect on the audience (you) who watched it. It is important to go further and ask "why." It probably had to do with the plot, acting, or directing. Why are all those important? To convey the story back to the audience which it obviously did its job. There are those movies that are "good" simply because they entertain, but the ones that entertain and have a strong issue are the ones that are worth watching over and over again. Those are the ones that have an impact on the lives of others and the way that theatre/film is recognized in society.
Acting is not about showing off or being recognized as the star. It is about sharing a story and an aspect of the human condition to an audience and proposing that problem/issue to them. It is their responsibility now as spectators to do what they want with what was presented. It may just bring up an important issue to them. Or it may actually move them to tears or any other type of emotion. Theatre and film are important to everyone because it gives people a perspective on life that they may not have had otherwise. Sometimes it is more helpful and useful when others point stuff out. I know in my life there have been issues in my life that I never really thought of seriously until I saw a play/film about that specific issue. It shows us that we are all human and we are all in the same situation together. No one is alone. I love theatre's power to move people!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This artist's statement really felt like it captured the artist's idea of what acting is. The idea that acting is a tool by which one can communicate an idea to the audience was really well expressed. I especially liked the way you expressed your ideas about the relevance of theatre and film. By affecting individuals, an artist has the potential to affect the world. I agree with this idea, and I believe it is important for people to understand this in order to make films that can make a difference even on a small level.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I find it very reassuring to read this. As you noted on mine, I think this is a big reason as to why we are buddies. We, thinking thespians have to stick together. I’m glad you aren’t as angry as I am. When I think of how many times I been mocked or looked down upon for choosing this career path, I could scream. I remember in high school when everyone kept asking, “Where are you going?” “What are you going to study?” And when I would tell them they would look at me in pity. I still have a neighbor who still refers to my theatre major as “playing movie star”. I can't even write about that without getting upset. To quote trent, we're in this together now.
ReplyDelete