Postcard from Medellin – by Zarrin Darrnell-Martin
Posted on 24 October 2009
When Bea told me that she was going to ask the student to improv, my first reaction was: what will the theme be, what are their objects, what are the guidelines.
Bea said simply: nothing, they may do whatever they please. So the kids were divided into groups and given 10 minutes to put on a show about whatever they liked. I was sceptical I even said to Bea that I thought a particular group would have a really hard time because a few of them looked shy…but what do I know. Nothing obviously.
They blew my mind! They went for in 110% Huge characters, extensive dialog, complex themes.
First you must understand this. I am a recent graduate of the NationalTheatre School of Canada and I and 11 others were chosen from hundreds of applicants all over Canada, and we ccouldn’t hold a candle to the improvs these first time Colombian students did. Every single one of them just went for in and played like I have never seen before. It took my class mates and I months and months of teaching to accomplish what these kids did in 15 minutes. And why is that? Are they more talented then we are? Are they better actors? I don’t think so. I think they simply have a deep desire and willingness to tell their stories. They have passions and they have a need to communicate in such a deep way. I learnt from them. I learnt what really going for it means. Even the shy students got up there and gave it their all!!!
Oh and the themes. A child molesting father, a young man trying to find his way through music, women complaining about their mens’ penis size! Tragic-funny. The bravery. I am a better actor because I have seen these kids play. I understand the Colombian way of life a little more. Be bold. Tell a story. Go for it. If you commit people will listen.
Zarrin is a Toronto-based actor who will be playing a child soldier in Aluna’s upcomig play, La Communion, at Buddies in Bad Times, January 2010.
2 responses to Postcard from Medellin – by Zarrin Darrnell-Martin
Leave a Response
DONATE TO ALUNA
Photos
Funders
GRACIAS A LAS NIÑAS Y JOVENES QUE LLEGARON DESDE CANADA
NO LAS OLVIDAMOS Y SIEMPRE LAS LLEVAREMOS EN NUESTRO CORAZON
YOU R WELCOME