Drama Therapy: Displaying the Power of Theatre

It is becoming noticeably popular for drama to be used to clear the mind and release tensions and suppressed issues not only in America, but also around the world. Acting out frustrations and problems has appeared to work for many people whether they are already involved in the theatre realm, or have never really lifted the curtain to explore the sphere of this art. This technique is termed Drama Therapy and it enables “participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis” as described by the National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT). There are several different forms that drama therapy can take on (as shown on the chart, in order to release frustrations and issues. With drama therapy being such a broad term, it allows participants to choose how they want to present and express their problem. Because of the effective results from around the world, the attention of theatre will rise once again. Theatre can not only entertain the audience, but also change lives.

In Russia for example, Muscovites use the theatre as way of dealing with their frustration by acting out a story of a certain problem they are dealing with, and it is a group effort, which connects people and allows everyone to empathize with others and their problem. This appears to help them cope with their crisis knowing that they are not alone in the dilemma. The Playback theatre in Moscow offers this form of therapy to anyone interested as Russia Today stated that “they tell a story about their life, choose actors to play the various roles, then sit back and watch as their story is recreated on stage.” This spontaneous improvisation releases tension and allows acceptance of what they are dealing with in their lives.

This method may sound surprising for some, however entering into the world of theatre is literally a way of entering into a new world. In order to act as a character on stage, one must be able to empty oneself of all personal problems. This will allow the actor to discover the body and mind of the character he or she is to play. With this, theatre is, in a sense, a meditation, and many different methods of meditation are used worldwide to help relieve current issues and problems people face in their lives. So why not use the passion of theatre in the personal life rather than just the professional? The Drama for Life Research is a prime example of intertwining the professional realm of acting with the personal. Its goals for the future, as described by allAfrica.com, are to use theatre as a way to reach out to communities across Africa and “supports existing organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS education through drama and theatre.” With Africa’s strong background of theatre, the Drama for Life Research’s meta-objective is to help “restore theatre as a central component to quality living”, as displayed to the left. Theatre used to be a tremendous empowering force within everyday life in Africa, but due to globalization as well as many current issues the people face today, the mythical and ritual representation of theatre has somewhat diminished. By way of personalizing theatre on AIDS and HIV victims, and bringing awareness of these issues through the power of theatre, lives and cultures may be made stronger.

But Africa is not the only venue. ExpressIndia.com recently published an article informing readers that a hospital in India released a play to cancer patients and relatives in hope to “relieve them of depression.” The method behind this is animated by “how gaining knowledge of the disease and available treatment can be of immense help.” This goes to show that the theatre has tremendous life changing powers and can be used in more way than just pure entertainment. Theatre can bring awareness, solve daily problems, and hopefully change lives.

Rather than repressing a dilemma or quandary, the message of drama therapy is to act it out. Even though drama therapy may not completely omit stress factors for everyone, surrounding oneself with a group of people living with the similar dilemmas can have positive effects. Knowing that a patient is not alone and has the opportunity to not only talk about problems, but also watch the struggle acted out on stage relieves lonesome feelings and brings people together. It is great to know that one's own passion has turned out to be one that has the power of healing. The NADT states that drama therapy allows “participants [to] expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened.” On another level, one can use this art to bring attention to current issues within the United States such as gay rights, drug abuse, and abstinence. As drama therapy becomes increasingly popular, the assumption is that it must be correspondingly effective, and if so bring positive results back onto the professional side.

Ageless: Battling Against the Undefeatable

Performers who possess the undying passion to live out their undying dream in the entertainment business have been told time and time again that their time is now. The world of film is a prime example of an industry that hunts for striving actors in their prime, and this so-called “prime” age in film is considered to range from a mere sixteen to twenty-four years old. It is during these few years that thirsty actors have their shot at making it big. Even celebrities such as Demi Moore, who have been icons within the industry, find themselves somewhat forced out of the business due to their age and declining appearance because, primarily, those who are enthralled with entertainment world are the younger-aged teenagers.

Time Online just released an article based on the seemingly ageless actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who is playing the lead in an upcoming film based on the “metaphor for the grotesque mutilation taking place in society.” Going on fifty, she still embodies the qualities of a younger woman, as shown in the image on the left, and a starving actor cannot help but wonder what her secret is. Most of us automatically assume the “secret” is likely to be surgery, just as the considerably older, yet younger looking actress Demi Moore has proceeded to do multiple times. However, Pfeiffer’s case is quite the opposite. She strongly opposes the easy way out as she claims that “there’s a lot that you can do surgically…to make yourself look younger, yes-but not necessarily better.” She in fact pities those who are always constantly looking for different ways to make themselves look better, and whose habits become something like an “anorexic disease." As the power of media continues to increase in order to effect its audience, the fear of aging has continued to grow as well.

Lindsay Lohan, for example is fit for this “disease” Pfeiffer speaks of, as she was just released from “her third trip to rehab since January” due to her problem witj drugs, alcohol, and overall body abuse, claims Signsonsandiego.com. Her acting career has come to a crash because of these quick-fix supplements and habits that have consumed her and have downgraded her once beautiful body. She has clearly aged in appearance from her ongoing troubles, as shown in the image below, and because of her career-threatening choices, no one wants her in their productions.

Pfeiffer is fascinated by the body’s decline, and told Time Online that she “doesn’t do much to preserve.” Rather than turning to plastic surgery, what she admits to doing is “[eating] well and go at it hard core at the gym. But that’s it.” What wonderful, yet demanding news to come from a woman who is aging so graceful. This is all performers who truly plan on remaining active in this business need to do! There really is no need to buy one’s way out from aging, just exercise and healthy eating, which is certainly demanding, but also life changing and a strong necessity for performers. The key points that Pfeiffer makes from the article are truly spectacular, and should be taken into consideration: “I’ve defied the obsession with looks in this industry and not allowed it to shape me…I try to live in the present…I’ve spent most of my life not thinking about my looks and it has served me really well.” This advice is something we should take as gold, for it is this advice alone that is timeless and could lead to years of success beyond the “prime” years the industry is so keen on.

With Pfeiffer’s natural way of aging gracefully, one cannot help but use her as a role model and hope for the best to look as stunning as she does at her age. There are multiple ways to naturally treat and pamper the skin in order to create that timeless look. One of these include eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish, as they provide the essential fatty acids and vitamins in order to decrease skin deficiencies and promote “new cell generation, provide anti-oxidant protection against pollutants, and help to build new collagen as we age,” claims Michele Campbell, a resident in naturopathic medicine at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. There are of course many other ways to improve and stabilize skin health, such as drinking six to eight ounces of water a day, getting enough rest (approximately eight hours), and not smoking. Following these guidelines will allow the body to transport all needed nutrients and thereby rejuvenate. Of course the only way to reach this timeless appearance is to start now, just as it is important to grab a hold of fame and success now.

Coffee Vs. Green Tea: The Beverage That Improves Overall Performance

The theatre world is tremendously competitive and highly active. Within the film industry, call-time and working on set can range anywhere from 3am to 12pm, and actors can be called in later as well. As fun as acting is, it is a highly active job and can wear a person down quite rapidly. So what do we turn to? Coffee. The instant caffeine booster that wakes the crew up within a matter of minutes. This world is extremely fast paced, and as the workdays tend to get longer, workers wear out faster and turn to coffee on a constant basis to keep them alive and awake. However, this highly addictive drink has been sending people to the hospital on a constant basis because of the overdosing of caffeine. This actually happened to a close friend recently who is actively involved with theatre, and nearly died. Her recovery was ferocious as the doctor ordered her to quite caffeine cold turkey. This resulted in intense headaches, tantrums, anxiety attacks, and lack of concentration. After this incident occurred, it was high time to search for an alternative to coffee in order to save the rest of the hardworking entertainment industry.

It was long ago that coffee was initially encouraged to drink in the coffee houses of Mecca as caffeine was then seen as a health benefit. With this in mind, it’s rapid popularity swept across the globe and became apart of the Arab culture as well. It was not until 1615 that Venetian traders brought it to Europe, where it became the fastest growing market in the world. However, one cannot help but question whether such a good tasting, beneficial beverage has a hidden catch.

An abundant amount of articles have been hitting the newspaper stands and consuming the web on the health risks of coffee. For example, the Coffee Science Information Center announced a discovery that claims that a total of “two studies have confirmed that high doses of caffeine promote anxiety.” More importantly, this research program also strongly urges athletes and physically active people “to abstain from consuming [coffee]. It is assumed that caffeine, which is a mild diuretic, will exaggerate the dehydration and electrolyte loss caused by exercise and lead to impaired athletic performance or health” because of the electrolyte imbalance it produces. With acting being considered a highly active both mentally and physically, this information should be taken to heart.

With the world’s fast paced, high energy levels, it appears almost impossible to give up coffee or caffeine altogether. Green tea however, appears to be an excellent alternative to coffee. It has lower caffeine levels, but highly effect health benefits, and with catching the common cold, flu, or fever being such a community within the performing arts, green tea can actually put those sicknesses to a halt. In on recent study, researcher Lisa Marshall of the Daily News Transcript found that green tea has “the ability to fend off cancer, reverse heart disease, and promote mental clarity, to name a few.” Tea has been around for centuries from all parts of the world, including the most popular tea consuming countries China and Japan, as shown above, and it is because developing a complete and full state of well being that tea is, and has been so centered among these cultures. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s, claims Marshall, that research in the United States became centralized for finding the health benefits of this green tea.
With such high interest in this new phenomenon, it has been found that green tea “contains an amino acid called theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier reducing stress and possibly promoting better cognitive function,” states Marshall. Along with this rather exciting information, green tea can also help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. John Foxe, a professor of neuroscience studies the effects of tea on the brain and found that "within 20 minutes of drinking a cup of tea, there was an impact on the brain's alpha waves," which are lowered due to the theanine content within tea increasing levels of concentration.

On top of all the mental benefits green tea has on the human mind, there are also several findings of physical benefits. To name one, the fluoride levels in green teas “are generally comparable to those recommended for the prevention of dental caries (cavities)” states Jane Higdon, a PHD at Oregon State University. She also found that green tea could help reduce reception of kidney stones. The favorite physical finding to many is the result of higher metabolism, which can lead to weight loss with the correct diet. On top of this, drinking this tasty tea also takes care of water consumption without the added calories or sugar. There are still several research studies being conducted, leading to even more reasons to drink green tea. However, even though green tea contains much lower levels of caffeine compared to green tea, as shown on the chart to the right, highly active people should still be cautious of their caffeine consumption. So how much should be consumed to get just the right effect of all the benefits? Marshall found that “people should drink between three and six cups per day” in order to get the maximized “bang”.

Next time the urge for caffeine and energy consumes the body, grab a cup of green tea to rejuvenate and energize both the body and mind. The performance world is upbeat, competitive, and demanding, and it is essential to be on top of the game at all times. Since coffee can actually lead to a trip to the hospital, ruining the career and body, why not switch? After all, the exchange of coffee for tea may actually save a life or two.

Venturing Out: Bring in the Missing Links

I took the liberty to scope out for some artist advice within the blogsphere, and found myself lingering among the martial arts. As a student performer, it has been required and strongly suggested by all my professors to get involved with martial arts. I never knew why until I began taking classes. Ever since then, I have been able to become completely aware of my body and have overcome practically every obstacle I put my mind to, and I must say that I have the martial arts to thank. I found some martial art based articles that clarify how to apply this art both to the sport itself as well as in a performance aspect. The first site I found is called AikiThoughts and is primarily based on the discoveries the author has made in the life of a martial artist. The article titled The Equation discusses how being aware of one’s body can help accomplish or defeat the obstacle or opponent. The other article I read is from the Aikido Journal (as shown to the left), and discusses being in tune with the body by way of getting into the “zone”. But what really sparked my interest was how the given tips from both articles can be applied both in daily life, and in the life of a performer. After reading these articles, I commented on each one to further explain how martial arts can help on a day-today basis, as well as in the performance world.

“The equation”
Comment:
While reading your article, I could not help but notice how your equation can have a strong influence on how we view our lives everyday. I believe that practice in the martial arts is a tremendous way to build confidence, which can lead accomplishing whatever goal we put our minds to. Aikido, or any martial art for that matter, requires the performer, or “X”, as you stated, to enter into a realm of complete body awareness. With this, one is able to reach “victory”, but only with the addition (or the +) of a challenge/challenger. With this, would you be implying that it is necessary for us to be challenged in order for us to benefit a victory? You mention that victory is “the best outcome possible for a given situation”, and I am curious to know if you are suggesting that one can be victorious even if one’s goal is not obtained.

To further implore upon your article, how does one reach that state of becoming in tune with the body, and how long does it take on average to reach this state? I am involved with theatre and am constantly advised to get in touch with what is going in both mind and body. Does this often naturally occur with the constant practice of the martial art?

“Martial Arts and the Zone”
Comment:
In response to your article, it appears to me that getting in the zone is achieved by thinking on simpler terms, and not getting into our head so much. Digger deeper, I believe that following instinct can behold wonderful effects as well. I am a theatre major at USC and have been advised by all my professors to follow instinct and not to think so much. Can this also be defined as getting into the zone?

All my life I have been told to work hard, or as you stated “try harder”. I do believe that trying harder or working harder can cause interference and can actually limit us if not using the correct tactics. But at other times, I have succeeded by really putting my mind to accomplishing what I want. I have done some martial arts and simply trying harder has worked for me. I tried harder by going to more practices and studying the art at home. Yes, it did add a little bit of extra stress here and there, but in the end I succeeded. In interest of getting into the zone, I do believe that it does ease the mind and allows us to become more aware of ourselves, which is important as a performing artist, but I also believe that working hard also segue into success, both in martial and in everyday life.