Refinement...

- by Shataf Figar

Photo: Emma Cameron

The workshop with Douglas so far has helped me refine my performance as an actor. Each day I wish for the clock to travel to 4pm as fast as possible so that we can start our workshop. I am like a little kid waiting with my bags packed to enter a space that focuses on the word refinement. Refinement of the skills that we possess.

The last week focused a lot on coordination, movements, space, energy, relationship with the other performers on stage, being aware of each other, what you say, what you do and how you move.  And of course the 2 day trip to Nimpith and Kaikhali in the Sundarbans. It was all about Exploration. Exploring the space internally and externally.

Some of the exercises that have really been helpful and have stayed with me are the Bamboo exercise, 3rd force exercises, Impulse exercise, Chorus exercise and the rhythm and movement exercises.

Photo: Emma Cameron

The Bamboo exercise helped me in creating patterns and movements with my body that I had never imagined I could. Responding to each other’s energy in the right measure so that the stick could balance and at the same time being aware of what everybody is doing. Giving and receiving the exact amount of energy. Leading and being led. We started this exercise in groups of 4 and then broke it down to pairs. Once in pairs after a few minutes the bamboo stick was removed and we had to imagine the stick still there and maintain the fluidity of movements. Then the distance between the pair was divided into half. The focus was on receiving and giving of energy, fluidity of movements and creating interesting structures. Vikram's   addition of the text of "All you who sleep tonight" made the movement much more interesting and gave us a lot to play with.

Photo: Emma Cameron

The impulse exercise displayed some really fluid movements. The idea was of how movements would happen when the body is suspended in water  or the sea. A lifeless body. Anubha was brilliant at this exercise and her moves were telling a story by itself. A wonderful sight that shall remain with me. Connecting with each and every part of the body and letting it flow by the forces of the current.

Photo: Emma Cameron

The chorus exercise created some fun and entertainment for the audience. In a group we had to follow what the leader did. And every time we turned sides the leader would change. Some really interesting sightings were made by our audience. It also showed how easy is it to break away from the performance of a group. When this happens it is clearly visible that there is a disconnect between performers on stage. We were asked to perform on simple topics like life in the Sundarbans, life in Kolkata and life in Bollywood. This has been recorded by Vikram and I am waiting to see what fools we made of ourselves.

Can't wait for this week to begin. Waiting for it to be 4pm so that my packed bag and I can enter the space that I loved the most.


[Read more about the India phase of The Edge project]