Saturday, April 18, 2009
Remarkable . . .Part Deux
Although J.S. Bach's statement inexactly but still accurately quoted - ". . . you hit the right keys at the right time, and the instrument plays itself" - doesn't need further explanation, I will, like a dog with a very good bone, chew on it some more.
Stating the obvious, dear actor, you are the instrument. The keys to your performance have been studied and learned throughout rehearsal and diligent homework. You've assigned the right emotions to the proper lines. You have learned precisely when they must happen during performance and when to squeeze the trigger. Notes and keys all present and correct.
The beauty part of what 'ole JSB said - and, perhaps, not so obvious, is the "playing itself" part. Here's what it means and why it's so danged important for you to store it away, burn it into your brainbox and follow its rule absolutely, completely and forever.
After all the work you've done to prepare for performance, TRUST YOURSELF. Play your moment before for every scene - that critical, necessary moment that prepares you for the first instant we see you - and then LET THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SCENE draw out the performance stored inside you without constraint. You are the instrument. The instrument plays itself. It is really so simple. Trust is the hard part.
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