While most (if not all) of us in batch 4 have been under the impression that we enrolled to learn solely how to become directors, Direk Marilou constantly reminds us that we have to learn how to do everything. We cannot ask anything of anyone that we cannot do ourselves, which means we ought to know how to store equipment, how to write a script, how to create a set, and maybe even how to act.
Yes, act.
It was explained to us that the easiest way to understand the craft of an actor is by first experiencing it ourselves. And so the past few sessions this November have been spent within the confines of an acting workshop, specially conducted by reknowned actor Johnny Delgado and director Laurice Guillen.
"Basic In Action"
We were taught how to do personal inventory, or how to be aware of all our senses. We did various exercises that allowed us to kick, scream, roll on the ground, laugh uninhibitedly, and share without fear of judgment. We were made to ask challenging questions of one another, and swallow equally difficult responses. We were asked to commit to every exercise, to be as open as we could, and to trust what we were jumping into.
What then transpired in this workshop astounded both students and instructors, especially for the simple fact that this batch is comprised of directors, not actors. There was a level of genuine commitment and sincerity that broke through every exercise, and I'd like to think that no one ever left that room unchanged. So though this experience was meant to make us better at what we intend to do, I don't think it's a stretch to say that it has made us better people and a better community.
"Face to Face with Ourselves"
It was here that we learned to fully respect each other, to support one another, and to discover alongside each other the parts of ourselves we had yet to tap. We learned to sort through the walls of propriety and general manners, get down to the ugly stuff, and come out with a greater appreciation for each one's humanity.
But most of all, I think what we were surprised to learn was how to find our voices as directors—to acknowledge what moves us and to be in touch with what parts of ourselves we will ultimately share in our stories. After allowing ourselves to be so vulnerable and exposed, to see what life has made of each person, we can stand again with a certain confidence in knowing that with our voices, we find a family and a community that is more than open and ready to listen.
"A Family and A Community"
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