Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wednesday Wonder: Theatre's Role

If you're not able to get present,
you cannot succeed.
~ Patsy Rodenburg

Patsy Rodenburg, a world-renowned voice and acting coach and the author of more than a half-dozen books, including The Second Circle: How to Use Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation,  is passionate about the role of theatre in our lives, about its ability to move us deeply. In the video below, filmed during a talk at Michael Howard Studios in New York City, Rodenburg speaks about the wonder of theatre, how otherwise ordinary people who act can move us in the most unexpected ways. Listen carefully to the story she shares at the end of this clip. Some of us will recognize that the narrative is about us.

. . . 'She told me the truth
but I hadn't grown up enough to know it.'
This is why I do theatre.
~ Patsy Rodenburg

7 comments:

Marcus Goodyear said...

Ouch. "As a society we are losing our presence... and if you cannot be present, you cannot succeed."

Another reason why we need community theater!

Louise Gallagher said...

Presence -- now there's a big subject worthy of lots of wondering...

thanks for this one -- very powerful.

Laura said...

Amazing woman. This made me cry, Maureen. Passion is presence, isn't it? The third circle? A new phrase for me. I like it.

S. Etole said...

"hadn't grown up enough to hear it" ... powerful statement

Anonymous said...

oh my!
she is a kick in the pants!

she is good.

Kathleen Overby said...

Maureen. I'm between crying and laughing. This is why we do what we do. I want so much to be liked, but it isn't the important thing. Someone knew I needed exactly this today, I'm glad I waited for a quiet moment to really absorb it well. It will soak in for quite some time. Thank you, sista.

Hannah Stephenson said...

Thank you so much for sharing this...it is really making me think about the role of art in the world.