Re: RAT Words

[InTheLime@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-05-23 04:43:29 EDT, you write:

<< what is stillness but a bad imitation of death? >>
Stillness (at least in my definition and I'll bet in the case of Yul Brenner) 
does not mean a lack of energy or extension...picture a cougar as it watches 
the prey, or a praying mantis...when you watch nature in such "inaction", you 
may notice how when the stillness is broken by something as simple as a lash 
of a cougar's tale, it sends a trembling energy through the watcher.  This 
creates a unique connection between watcher and actor.

Applied stillness is what helps to tune focus, to channel energy towards any 
other release to which the actor wishes to apply attention (should that be 
silliness, then hoopla!)   I have known many actors who were great at 
"silly..." but became masterful comedians once they learned how to be still 
in any given moment -- the ultimate release of "silly" becomes a surprise 
that catapults the audience to a more intense explosion of hilarity.   

Unfocused silliness or stillness can be (and often is) merely a barrier 
against that "fear" spoken of by others  (fear of failure, fear of appearing 
stupid, fear of connecting)...while focused stillness and silliness can (may) 
be an acceptance of the fear, engaging with it in unspoken awareness.  

--Aileen McCulloch, Managing Artistic Director
The Vagabond Acting Troupe