Last night reminded me why performance is so important in my life. Last night was the first TND Workshop of this term, the first of potentially only four more workshops TND will run for a long time. What was achieved over the course of the evening by all people involved in the process be them performer, DJ, or spectator was something I think it is fair to be described as magical. The realm of performance that was created in the back of our local South London Pub brought me new insight into the power of physical theatre as a therapy. Most specificially the power of the this kind of theatre, that roots itself in Carnival, reminded my how important those feeling of letting go, loosing your inhibitions, free play and forming powerful, yet strange and bizarre connections with strangers. Last nights workshop was made particularly special by some of the unexpected guests that arrived over the course of the eve- a lady I met at a Blackheath teadance who without access to the internet or local links still somehow hunted us down, a local market trader, and a disabled guy who has since written a very touching blog entry about his experience. When I think that such different people are interested in TND for perhaps very different reasons it brings me a strong sense of happiness. However the happiness I feel reaches an altogether higher level, dare I say it a point of inner peace when I reflect on how each different person that encounters TND gets out from it that same feeling I do, which is why I find this method of performance keeps me sane. By entering this state of escapism it is possible to release much of the strains and stresses that can burden our everyday lives. Somehow when I am in a TND workshop all the things- some insignificant, some no so insignificant become either removed from my thoughts or find themselves an outlet in the performance itself. On a personal level for me- last night allowed me to forget my money troubles and realise feelings of sexual repression- two things that have bothered me considerably over the past month. I am sure the disabled guy we worked with felt different oppressions were overridden- or perhaps not? Who knows? I hope the other performers who enjoyed last night left feeling in some way this ‘inner peace’- something born out of realising something negative (stress) whilst giving something positive (commitment as a performer) which resulted in beautiful scenes that could be enjoyed by the spectators. Well done everyone- great way to start the term!
