Activate

photo credit: tamara.craiu

We are sacrificing our Humanity to preserve our supposed Way of Life, which is not a Way of Life, but that which stands in the way of Life. By denying ourselves and others the right to their Human-ness, (vulnerability, sensitivity, fallibility, heart), we are denying Life itself. Don’t go another day without speaking your Heart. Rise in honor of those fallen, who have dared to speak, and take your rightful place in the world of True Humanity. Stand. Align yourself with Human-Kind (Kindness which evidences Humanity). Be brave, compassionate. Bare your Soul to others and hold space for all in your experience to do the same. Drop into your Heart. Breath. Listen. Love your Human-ness and the Human-ness of those around you. Activate Human-Kind-ness.

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No Missed Takes

photo credit: EarthTouch via photopin cc

A Mistake, (Missed Take), for those who are familiar with r-e-a-l life becoming r-e-e-l life, means that as long as there is light, (breath) there is time for another Take. Therefore a Missed Take (mistake), if we are clear that while we are living, the camera (flame of attention) is cognizing and re-cognizing our very existence, creating r-e-e-l life, it is always, all ways, rolling, slating Take after Take, as long as we are. There are no Mistakes (Missed Takes), only Takes.

Be The Narrative

Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden & Anthony Hopkins – Westworld

Tell the story.  Tell all the stories.  Use your dignity, your passion, your fear, your stillness, your frailty, and your courage to show us our hearts, our souls and that which we dare not speak.  Speak it.  Speak the unspeakable that we might speak it too.  Reveal to us all that has been concealed. That we who watch, might see ourselves back.  Truly see ourselves.  Be the narrative of love, power, sex, addiction and life or death.  Use your physical body, your emotional body and your spiritual body to tell the story of humanity.  You who are the chosen, you who are the artists, the actors, activate and humanize me.

No Separation

rotor via photopin

Through examining the Mitochondria of our DNA, Scientists have traced back to our point of origin as Humans on this Earth, 30 thousand years ago, to one Woman, who lived and bore children along the Fertile Plains of the Nile River. This one Woman, based on Scientific Research has the same DNA Markers as 95% of the existing planet. 95% of us have come from the same Original Mother. This is Science, supporting the Metaphysical Truth. There is No Separation. Separation is a Myth. We are all human beings being human.

Breathe

ThilliMilli

One inhalation. One exhale. Ephemeral as a heartbeat, just as real. This moment, passes. This life. A movie. Your eyes projecting on the screen of an idea, thought, construct, belief. Edited. Like a script. Your treatment, your life. Integral. Systemic. Ends where it begins, rhythmic, cyclic, humming, like the world. If you listen. If you follow the breath, you’ll hear it. Your heart. The sound of all that essence, spirit, being-ness, you. Your movie.

Need

Marlon Brando & Kim Hunter in Streetcar Named Desire

‘Your most basic tool in determining persona, and the transformative power therein starts with the identification of need.  The belief that there is a need is the instigator and underwriter of all human behavior, occurring at the beginning and the end of all running systems.  Need is the instigator of all active storyline.’ ~ Excerpt from the upcoming book The Alexander Method: Transformational Acting for the Total Actor

Swapping Your Soul

Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad

‘The tools of need, loss and action are the introduction to the soul or spirit in which you immerse yourself.  It is the formal invitation to begin the transformational process of swapping your soul for another.’ ~ Excerpt from the Upcoming The Alexander Method: Transformational Acting for the Total Actor

An Artist Reflecting Culture

gregburdine.com

Our artistry is the great mirror that we as a culture hold up to understand who we are, where we are, and if we are headed in the right direction.  In order for art to do its job, the reflection must be clear.  As an artist reflecting culture, if you are using yourself as the medium of expression, you too must be clear.  There can be no part of unexamined ego distorting the image.  If you are to reflect a clear picture, there cannot be any of your depiction that includes your own needs, fear of loss or considered action, unless it completely aligns with the persona you portray. ~ Excerpt from the upcoming book, The Alexander Method: Transformational Acting for The Total Actor

It is imperative for the modern actor to know how to transcend the self and truly ‘become’  in front of the camera and on stage.

The Handmaid’s Tale

Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a futuristic environment of existential disasters including a plummeting birth rate.  Gilead, a totalitarian society is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state.  The show has received 20 nominations and 14 awards from the 2018 Writers Guild of America: Best New Series, and Best New Drama Series, 2018 Directors Guild of America: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Dramatic Series, 2018 Producer’s Guild of America: Norman Felton Award for outstanding Producer of Episodic Television Drama, 2018 Critics’ Choice: Best Actress in a Drama Series, Best Drama Series, and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, 2018 Golden Globes: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series Drama, Best Television Series Drama, and AFI Television Programs of the Year, and 2018 Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Clearly this show merits your attention.  It is superbly written, directed, acted and produced.  Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovksi, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, Joseph Fiennes, Max Minghella, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer and O.T. Fagbenie deliver exceptional, extraordinary, and unprecedented authenticity.  The Handmaid’s Tale, while very disturbing, is the epic tale of the decade.  It is transformational artistry at it finest.  A brutal cautionary tale, it is extremely relevant to our present time.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale is an example of a culture ethos that is individually predatory.  The cultural ethos is predicated on the belief that it ensures survival, despite extreme misalignment with individual survival.  Using mental and physical cruelty, fertile women are compelled to reproduce to ensure survival of the species.  If caught showing interest in their own survival, women are beaten, mutilated, and/or killed.  In a predatory cultural environment, personae must align externally with the cultural code or die.  In a world dominated by cultural survival, individual survival is uncertain.’ ~ Excerpt from the upcoming The Alexander Method: Transformational Acting for the Total Actor

Do not miss this opportunity to grow your artistry and yourself.  Watch The Handmaid’s Tale.

 

Russell Tovey: Banished

Created by Jimmy McGovern, this BBC short series has only one season and seven episodes.  Written by Jimmy McGovern and Shaun Duggan, and directed by Daniel Percival and Jeffrey Walker, Banished is short, and intensely sweet.  Set in the first penal colony of New South Wales in 1788, the hardships born by the one hundred men of the Royal Navy Marine and the one thousand prisoners they must guard is heightened by the involuntary sharing of the women.  This extremely poignant, honest, upsetting and revealing portrait of the birth of Australia’s first state is riveting.  Portrayed by some of the finest actors I have seen, Orla Brady, Ewen Bremmer, Ryan Corr, Brooke Harman, David Dawson, Ned Dennehey, Cal MacAninch, Rory McCann, Joseph Millson, Adam Nagaitis, Genevieve O’Reilly, Julian Rhind-Tutt and David Wenham are brilliant.  MyAnna Buring, and Julian Rhind-Tutt are truly inspiring in their fearless portrayals.  And Russel Tovey is beyond brilliant.  His depth of commitment fully embraces true human behavior.  His unapologetic realism transforms.  His honesty touches the very soul of humanity.   Tremendous respect to Daniel Percival and Jeffrey Walker for creating the sacred working environment that would produce such compelling artistry.  Please watch this one!

Hold Space For Yourself

photo credit: 05.14.08 via photopin (license)

It is important to hold space for yourself, truly hold space for yourself. To look at your hands and say, “I really love these hands.”  To look at yourself in the mirror and without flinching, see yourself and tell yourself, “I love this face, I love this body, I love this me.”  You must let this resonate throughout every cell of you.  It is imperative that you know you are worthy and admirable.  Carry it with you into every aspect of your life.  Because when you see yourself as the most valuable asset on this planet you have seen the truth.  This is not egotism, it is selflessness.  Holding space for yourself, granting yourself being-ness, you affect deep change.  Practicing unconditional positive regard, for the self and others, grows more of that.  It is the kind of love, so powerful, so righteous, it will change the world.

Honor and Protection

Outdoor Illusions

True artists, when involved in true artistry, are always at risk.  We risk ourselves, physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychically.  Wherever we are, we create, delve, and care deeply with every aspect of our being.  That kind of commitment, that kind of great artistry merits honor and protection.

Dropping In

thrillist.com

‘The actor of this new age must be versed in the art of true transformation.  Never before has it been so important for an actor to study and maintain training that addresses the spiritual aspects of dropping intensely into a world created, as well as responding practically to the demands of today’s standards.’ ~ The Alexander Method: Transformational Acting for the Total Actor

Susannah Flood in ABC’s For The People

Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn: For The People

Shondra Rhimes known for her quality television dramedies, casts appealing and compelling actors.  Most with an eye on ABC’s For The People could predict that Britt Robertson would emerge as one of America’s new favorites.  Indeed Britt Robertson, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Ben Rappaport, Wesam Keesh, Rege-Jean Page, Ben Shenkman, Hope Davis, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Anna Deavere Smith possess talent, acumen, training and noteworthy excellence.  Yet, Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn in ABC’s For The People is complex, ido-syncratic, honest and awe-inspiring.  In Season 1, Episode 10 she is breathtaking.  Delivering data to Leonard Knox (Rege-Jean Page) the depth of feeling and the urgent need to cover it, astounds.  Her commitment to delve deeply brings revelation for those watching.  Thank you Susannah Flood for being an artist that willingly transcends to bring the gift of self.  Your vulnerability and authenticity are transformational.

Who You Really Are

You see the abyss.  How this life means everything and nothing and both at the same time.  We have, in spirit, chosen to be here.  We have a gift to share, if only we can move past the distraction, the destruction of mind to give it.  Giving the gift of self, to other, including the self, is divine.  In the giving of it, you see yourself back as the bearer of it.  This is who you really are.  This is your life.  Despite what mind tells you.  We see you.  We need the gift you come bearing.  The universe, because we have joined hands and hearts, conspires with us to manifest that which is inside of you and deliver it to us.  Our spirits are hungry for it.  Hungry for you.

Our Artistry

EvolveTM

As a human race we are dependent on transformation.  Beyond the frame of the movie screen, television, or theatre, if we as a people are to remain evolutionarily relevant, we must change. If we are to live, we must transform. As transformational artists, our artistry reflects this.  Transform!

Animal Kingdom

Just watched the first episode of Animal Kingdom on Netflix with Ellen Barkin.  Scott Speedman, Finn Cole,  Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Molly Gordon and Daniella Alonso are wonderfully cast as dynamic players in the criminal Cody Family.  And Ellen Barkin is phenomenal.   She is breathtakingly inappropriate.  Ruling over her family with a borderline incestuous finesse, Ellen Barkin as Janine Cody ‘Smurf’ is a beguiling, honest and disturbing matriarch.  The intrigue, primal urgency, criminality and dark intrigue of this series is fully realized in Ellen Barkin’s Smurf.  If you want to see someone capable of startling transformation, watch her.

Are you watching Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? An American period comedy-drama piece this two time Golden Globe winner is created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Rachel Brosnahan. The writing is superb. Tony Shalhoub is a total delight. Luke Kirby as Lenny Bruce casts a charming spell. Michael Zegen, Marin HInkle, Kevin Pollack, Caroline Aaron and Bailey De Young are a wonderfully funny and supportive cast. Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson is honest, funny and truly sublime. Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam Maisel, a jewish housewife who discovers she has a knack for stand-up comedy is the ultimate leading lady. She leads due to her astounding talent, sincerity, brilliance, commitment, energy and transformative power. Embracing the essence of the period and a woman’s innate struggle Rachel Brosnahan is not preforming a role, but inhabiting a being. I am struck by how fiercely the truth echoes. The laughter and revelations just keep coming.

BareFeetPowerYoga

The field of acting has transformed and so must it’s actors.

Perfect Mirror

@N’DIGO

Allowing our culture to expand and evolve as it sees itself back, Art is essential to our growth.  It is a necessary reflection of our world.  The Artist, The Actor is the embodiment of that reflection, becoming the perfect mirror to enable change.

Missed Takes

Some people go through life hating their mistakes.  Others learn to see them as missed takes.  If there is light (life), there is always time for another take.

Lost in Space

Have you been watching LOST IN SPACE on Netflix? Its based on the campy original, so most of the writing and execution is for a younger audience.  Toby Stevens, Molly Parker, Maxwell Jenkins, Ignacio Serricchio, Mina Sundwall and Taylor Russell are really wonderful. BUT PARKER POSEY’S rendition of Dr. Smith is seriously transformational!  She knows how to lose the self and become other.  Parker Posey is not acting.  She is being. Its not always comfortable, which is evidence of her transformational expertise.  She inhabits.  Watch her.

 

Alone girl by JakubCurik

I am not alone.

Everything is right with me.

I am here to grow my artistry and my life.

Are you watching TURN? (Listen, I do not like historical dramas. I find them pompous and boring.) BUT THIS! THIS is ASTOUNDING! The acting is superb. The writing and the drama of this historical time is fascinating, terrifying and revelatory. The inspiring tale of General Washington’s spy ring, the men and women who gave their lives for us to become the United States issues one cliff hanger after the next. Wow. I totally recommend this! After watching I’m proud to be an American and I also know the derivation of ‘cut through the red tape.’

The Total Actor

When it comes to Acting Classes, there are hundreds of thousands of coaches. There are just as many methodologies for teaching technique. Some coaches can be creatively intense and push the actor toward breakthrough experiences. Other teachers nurture their students, while imparting technique. These coaches back their expertise and passion, coaching from a parental, albeit sometimes strict, yet loving approach. Over my 40-year span as an actor/singer, the teachers that imbued me with a sense of worthiness, regardless of the technique, or personal approach, are the ones that altered my path most.

What kind of training have you encountered?  What for you was the most compelling?  Do you have a favorite teacher or technique that you feel changed your outlook or your performance? How do you create for yourself a sense of worthiness in class, in life and on the set or on stage? I would love to hear about your life as an artist. Whatever you are grappling with or celebrating creatively, I invite you to share it.  Nothing is too big or too small.  Please tell me about your concerns and triumphs.

*Although topics discussed may be investigated further on my blogsite, I will never use anyone’s name without express permission.  Your anonymity will always be protected.   Whatever is said here, stays here.

(Adrienne Alexander has trained as an actress/singer for over 45 years, with coaches in NYC and Los Angeles, such as Tony Barr, Eric Stephan Kline, Jeff Corey, Candace Silvers, Joseph Chaikin, Carole D’Andrea, Georgia Stitt, Carol Weiss, Calvin Remsberg, William Woodman and Jerry Zaks.  She has a Masters in Psychology as well as 6 years experience as a Transformational Therapist. She studied metaphysics with Thom Knoles, Anand Mehrotra, Dallas Snyder and Patricia Bankins. A specialist in Human Behavior she has trained extensively.  An actress herself, fully aware of the emotional and artistic demands, she has developed a Hybrid Methodology of Acting Training. Implementing the best of Spiritual, Psychological and Artistic Principles, the tools she teaches and employs, transform artistry and lives.)

* Ms. Alexander was born into a theatrical family. Her father Rod Alexander was a renowned Actor, Shakespearean Director and Acting Coach. Her mother, Marilyn Maxey was an Opera Singer and Vocal Coach. Ms. Alexander began acting and singing onstage in her very early childhood. She graduated Cum Laude as a Drama Major from Dartmouth College.