Margolis Method: Teaching People to LIVE!

I think in this blog we often look at the 'visual arts' in terms of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography.  Basically anything one might find in a museum.  

Well this post is dedicated to the visual aspects of actors.  Its not all about vocal inflection and facial expression after all (actors who use only these aspects of behavior usually come off as only 2 dimensional) ... and the Margolis Method is one school of theatrical thought that studies the actor's physicality from deep within their bodies.  Kari Margolis and Tony Brown have created the Margolis Brown Adaptors Company and its associated method after from 20 years of research that reflects the work of Decroux, Grotowski, and Brecht (super respected theater peeps).  

Here is a collection of highlights from one of the company's productions: Sleepwalkers.

Principals of physics are applied to allow the actor to visualize physical items that don't actually exist.  They are taught to create pushes and pulls between themselves, objects, and other actors to create a more realistic physical interpretation of narrative moments.

This dynamic approach to the theater and the actor's insight into characters creates really beautiful visual representations of reality.  Its like dancing, and acting, miming and a dash of yoga thrown in for good measure.  It really wears out your body, and tests your endurance.  Physically AND emotionally.

You really have to see it to believe it.  And I have a feeling that some of you may be skeptical because the classes look a little... strange to say the least... but give it a try.  This Kari Lady really knows what she's doing.  What an artist!

Here she is talking about the method and classroom setting:

I like to think that applying these principals in my daily life could make me live each day truly FEELING instead of only THINKING.  And really, life is nothing if we don't feel, right?  I never feel more alive than when I'm in the middle of an intense physical experience.  I think that people need to stop living from the neck up, and start living everywhere!

Thank you, thespians.  For being actors who teach others to take action!