Theatre and Life

The day began with the usual Head-to-Toe warm-up led by Anil, a brief yet invigorating session that energized everyone for the day ahead.

Krishnamurthy Kavathar Sir delivered a profound and thought-provoking session intertwining theatre and life. Here are the key insights from his session:

• The Essence of Conversation: Sir questioned whether we truly converse with loved ones or merely interact with gadgets. Genuine communication lies in heartfelt exchanges, not mechanical interactions.

• "Angikam Bhuvanam Yasya": Explored the deeper meaning of this prayer, emphasizing that an actor’s body, speech, and emotions should align as a sacred expression of art.

• Observation: Actors must look beyond the surface, using their inner eye to perceive deeper truths in life and art.

• Awareness and Mindfulness: Essential tools for connecting with oneself and the world, enabling artists to capture authenticity.

• External vs. Inner Body: Highlighted the harmony between an artist's physical self and their character’s emotional depth. Authenticity arises when the outer body reflects the inner emotions.

• The Power of Silence: Demonstrated how silence can convey profound emotions. When used mindfully, silence connects with the soul and speaks volumes.

• Eye Contact: Stressed the importance of making meaningful eye contact with co-artists. The eyes, as windows to truth, foster trust and connection on stage and in relationships.

• Observation and Experience: Explained how an actor’s craft is shaped by keen observation and lived experiences. Being present in every moment enriches both life and performance.

• Overacting: Discussed how overacting often stems from subconscious actions rather than intent. Self-awareness is key to balanced expression.

• Inner Traffic: Compared mental clutter to traffic, urging participants to declutter their minds for inner peace and simplicity.

• Lost Traditional Practices: Reflected on the wisdom of ancient traditions and their relevance to life today. Reconnecting with these practices can bring depth and meaning.

• Anger Activity: Participants channeled anger by tearing newspaper sheets, demonstrating controlled emotional expression. This exercise illustrated how to manage and release emotions constructively.

• The Importance of Music: Music was discussed as a vital tool for mental well-being, bridging the mind and soul, offering healing, and inspiring creativity.

• The Actor’s Body as a Pressure Cooker: Compared an actor’s body to a pressure cooker, emphasizing the need for balance. Controlled restraint prevents emotional overload and maintains authenticity.

• Controlled Acting Through Eyes: Showed how subtle eye movements can convey powerful emotions. Mastery lies in subtlety, where small gestures create profound impact.

• Dog Breathing Exercise: A tension-relieving activity mimicking a dog’s breathing. This exercise demonstrated how simplicity in nature can relieve stress and bring clarity.

• Spending Time with Oneself: Encouraged self-reflection and solitude as vital for understanding oneself and the world.

The session concluded with numerous life lessons seamlessly interwoven with theatre practices. Krishnamurthy Kavathar Sir’s blend of humor, wisdom, and practical exercises left everyone deeply inspired. His ability to connect life’s intricacies with theatrical principles made the session memorable and transformative.