About Integral Theatre

I have some diffrent thoughts around the subject, that I would like to reflect togheter with others.
One of my main inspirations when it comes to theatre is Jerzy Grotowski. And I feel that in many ways he is truely integral.
Starting the work with the body, extending this body training to in infinity, to search for the I-I.
The greatest inspiration for Grotowski was Ramana Maharishi. And this is often forgotten by the physical theatre groups.

They - in more than one way -  tend to make the theatre a Theatre of the Flatland. Just working with the external bodywork.

The Integral theatre should - in my opinon - include and transcend the bodywork.

Re: About Integral Theatre

If the bodywork should preceed the mental work?
Nay - in my opinion not.
The actor should never go in and start training with out his head.

Re: About Integral Theatre

I do believe that we can credit acting for, despite Flatland, at the very least (apart from the shallowest involved) maintaining SOME kind of interior with the exterior. At least this has been my experience.

Ex. Do you come to your role from the inside and work out? Or from the outside and work in?

We have Stanislavsky to thank for this in large part -in fact, was not his whole “beef” that merely walking, playing and inhabiting a “fixed form” (“fixed now and forever”) was just external technique?- BUT god gracious God almighty the Strasburgian (and all copy cat) “method” is a perfect example of only a Flatland interior.

Strasburg even states it; ” … what we used to call 'soul'”  and well, don't get me started … (all we have for an interior to explore and discover is Freudian …etc.)

The question is:

What is that interior?

I think Stanislavsky makes it clear that he had an idea of psyche that… . well, he even states it SO many times -

consciously access the subconscious for its superconscious creative apparatus.

Although I am pretty certain he does not altogether know it (the knowledge available to him in his time and place was limited) I think it is clear his referents are basically

subconscious = Soul (and, sure, any associated “ordinary” subconscious)
superconscious=Spirit

I have yet to study Gratowsky thoroughly but both from what I know (a Holy Theatre!) and from what you say it just still baffles me that SPIRIT is still s F****ing IGNORED with any sort of serious regard in acting.

The masters can state it outright! (I don't know what's more obvious than “superconscious!” or Ramana Maharishi!) but … oh, the best we can do is just mention that they had some ideas we refuse to understand …

One important integration that has yet to happen is-

the integration of the mastery of purely spiritual techniques, knowledge, expertise, etc. with the mastery of purely dramatic/comedic/theatrical techniques, knowledge, expertise, etc.

One thing to look at is this. For the most part, all mystical or contemplative practices are aimed at an individual, 1st person interior experience (and/or realization, adaptations, etc.)

But combined with a cultural art form the aim, direction or goal is now for that to somehow be shared collectively. (Hence the necessary integration of sound acting/performing techniques, etc.)

THAT'S EXCITING to me! …:-)

Lots more to say …

But for now,

“Should bodywork proceed mental work?” etc.

I agree with you . .

I think we can benefit greatly from using a simple Great Chain of Being model . .

Body, Mind, Soul, Spirit

All of that must be aligned with and or inhabit a role a performance, acting in any case, etc.

Many people seem to speak of freeing up the body -or at least something to that affect, … but what about freeing up the mind … . then the soul, etc.?

They all work together. Since all are present at all times, well, this is what I mean by 'alignment” with a role.

I could have my body all set (as far as that would go) but if my mind ain't there? Then mind and body but soul and spirit are off somewhere else?

An “inspired” performance is when Body, Mind, Soul and Spirit are ALL suddenly completely involved with a role … . the dance and play of Spirit Itself …

Okay, a few babbled out thoughts for now.

In parting, a question:

When you say “Integral” are you using Wilber's AQAL model, ideas?

Peace and … Break some legs!

Tim