At the conclusion of Company, I made the observation that the young actors are mighty damn touchy. They have no qualms in hugging, holding each other, rough house with each other, holding hands – etc. There are times that this is truly a distraction from the work at hand and affection that really needs to live outside of the classroom and perhaps off the school grounds – but I love the freedom of this touch. I also find that some of the most successful actors in class are those that can touch in appropriate ways and at the appropriate times. I find that their openness to touch is an indicator that they are beyond judgments of “saving face”, correct (?) expressions of gender and sexual labeling. Given good taste and a primary focus on the work – this really is beautiful and very reassuring as an acting teacher who spends most of the day leading actors to place of openness and vulnerability. Less guarded, less locked, less afraid, and simply less limited – I so admire these students. I know when I was their age – the act of shaking hands with someone filled me to the brim with insecurity. I admire them. I am jealous of them. I am daily happy to lead them.
3 comments on “Open to Touch”
Yes, I agree with it. When I was younger, I also used to touch other people a lot and it didn’t bother me neither them. Now it just feels like a bad decision to touch people, who are not very close to you. I think the older you get, more actions start to look like unappropriate. That’s just sad.
It sounds like you learn as much from your students as they learn from you.
It’s also so cool that these kids are able to demonstrate being physical in an open and honest way.
Imagine what the world would look like if we weren’t so repressed.
When we’re comfortable expressing ourselves outright, there’s no reason to hide who we are.
It’s the emotional turmoil of inner conflict that causes problems in the world…not the open expressing of our true feelings and affection.
I love that you post these observations. You clearly don’t have to write a long post to make an impact on the reader (me).
I noticed this too! Kids these days are much more “touchy” and social which is a huge improvement! I was the super shy girl that went out with other introvert colleagues… My daughter is super chatty and friendly and she’s only 7!