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!

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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.

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!

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.