XXV - Take it easy, it's OK.
Discussing tips for how to take it easy when it comes to improv and playback theatre.
Greetings, dear readers. You are reading someone who just got the Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom. 😃 Let’s hope no one comes in and ruins it.
I can’t believe I achieved consistency for 25 weeks. It always worries me running out of topics to talk about, or getting too repetitive talking about the same things. How do you do it? You know what? I’ll take it easy.
Last week, I had to travel outside of London a couple of times due Don Quijote performances. It’s always refreshing to visit other British towns and cities. I was lucky I got to work with delightful groups that made my work so enjoyable, getting many kind words both from teachers and kids. It was a good reminder of how meaningful is my job, and also how good at it I am! (Just compensating for past and future self-deprecating episodes).
Now, I’m getting ready for my trip to the European Playback Theatre Gathering, which will be held in Salamanca, Spain. I have so many things to look forward to there: teaching, performing, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people.
🧠 The Improv tip
As much as we love improv, we can’t always be in the mood, for personal reasons, or have a decent amount of energy to face a show or rehearsal. We are human after all. When on those situations, I admit that, sometimes, I like just to go with the flow and piggyback whatever ideas appear on stage. And, most of the times, is when I find myself more responsive.
I discussed the importance to have ideas before, but there are situations where it’s OK to not have ideas at all. You don’t have to. You are brilliant as you are. Just stay in the companion seat, chill and react. There’s a lot to learn from the non-improvisers that land “accidentally” in a show where the main improviser leads the way. A clear example that comes to my mind, are the audience members of the show Neil+1, from Neil Curran. They look good, not only because they are in good hands, but because they are just being genuine with their reactions.
I’ll tell you a secret: improv is easy, but, the more we do it, the more difficult we made it for ourselves. 🤫
🪑The Playback Theatre tip
What do we do when we face the same problem when it comes to playback? We are not always motivated or in an optimal physical and/or mental condition. However, we feel that we don’t have the luxury when it comes to this art form because the stakes are higher, there is a contract between the teller and us, the actors.
Working on ensemble is what makes Playback Theatre unique. You are not alone. Echoing offers that have been presented by another actor is a valid option. You might feel that you are doing the same thing that other, but you are not. You are doing a version of something other person is doing, with your personal nuances and takes. You are amplifying, harmonising. You are doing enough just by being present with someone else.
“What if I get chosen as the teller’s actor?” You might think. In that case, you have two options. Of course, you can politely decline. While its not common, an actor can opt out from being the teller’s actor, they do it when the story is too close to home and might be triggering, but if we feel that we are not in the right space and we might do a disservice to the story, to step back is the right thing to do.
If you decide to step in as the teller’s actor, that’s completely fine. A teller’s actor don’t have the sole responsability of honoring the story. Trust your scene partners and just react. I’m referring here to the improv tip I shared before, go back and read it, or read it again. Just don’t act, react.
📆 What is coming up
2nd to 5th of October - European Playback Theatre Gathering (Salamanca, Spain). My country is hosting this international event filled with workshops and performances. See you there? Come check it out.
10th of October - Acaprov Spooky Special (London, UK). A Halloween Spooky Special a cappella musical! I’m going to miss it but you shouldn’t. Get your tickets.
15th of October. Actor’s showcase (London, UK). I’m getting together at Theatre Deli with a bunch of professional actors to showcase an improvised one act play. Get your tickets.
16th of October. Acaprov at Hoopla! (London, UK). Acaprov is back at Hoopla for another improvised musical. Don’t miss it.
14th of November - Acaprov (London, UK). Another month, another a cappella musical. Get your tickets.
📚 🎮 🎥 📺 The geeky dessert - Spooky Season 👻
I can't believe that after 25 weeks, I haven't told you about my favorite horror author: Junji Ito. He's a Japanese manga artist known for his twisted horror stories. I've always loved his art style, and his graphic novels are the only manga I still buy today.
My introduction to Junji Ito's work was the recurring character, Tomie. She's a beautiful young woman with the ability to drive men mad and multiply herself from any part of her body. While body horror is a common theme in most of Ito's works, it's particularly notorious in Tomie's stories. 👹
Although I recommend reading the source material, you can find on Netflix an anthology adapting some of Ito’s stories, including one of Tomie’s.
✨ That’s all folks ✨
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Ferran Luengo