The Freedom of Acting
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Freedom of Acting

How theater might release us from the one-faceted character we play everyday

126
The Freedom of Acting
magic shop

Last week, I went to my first acting class. I chose it because I've always loved theater and thought it would be a good way to strengthen my diction and general speaking skills. Even in Portuguese I find it extremely hard to articulate words, and one of my biggest dreams is to one day be able to speak clearly at the speed of my thoughts (okay, almost). I went to class with these quite pragmatical objectives in mind, but once I got there, I realized that what had actually pulled me to such studies was the thrill of being someone else. Though I have no intentions of becoming an actress - I don't even dare audition for a role in a college play - I'm eager to get into character, to finally become someone who can shout and jump, even if only for a few minutes on stage.

Everyone is paradoxical and everyone has many facets. Some of them we only show to a few special people, others only when we're alone. Most of the time, though, it's simpler to just choose one and let society define you by it. We want to be understood and to feel like we belong somewhere, and so it might seem easier to embrace a stereotype and, for the distant watcher's eyes, be no more than it. In a way, we're always acting accordingly to this one facet, and it's not unusual that we do what this stereotype is expected to. I know I face this situation a lot, and have lost count of the times someone referred to me as "the quiet girl with glasses". I kind of enjoy this definition because it means I'm playing my role well and it's easier to positively surprise people if you're underrated, but there are times when it feels more like a trap I've slowly and consistently set for myself.

I don't want to let my stereotype go, not yet, because it's an extremely comfortable position. If I want to ignore people around me and open a book, I can, because it's what my character would do. I know it's the kind of thing everyone has to leave behind at some point, but for now, my answer to the occasional un-nerdy outbursts is theater. Theater: crazy vocal exercises and memorization of other people's lines. The actor is free from his stereotype without necessarily having to leave his comfort zone, and that's precisely what I'm looking for. I might not have the diction to deliver long monologues, but I'll be the witch enchanting spells and making faces, covered by a messy hair and heavy makeup. The first thing the professor said in class was for us to free our inner stupid selves, and mine is dying to show up.

Most of my restrictions were imposed by myself and sometimes I'm not sure of how much of my stereotype I actually am - maybe I only tell myself I would be acting differently otherwise because it makes me feel stronger. I've always believed in the power of Change, though, and these acting classes will hopefully function as a transition for when my comfort zone finally becomes unbearable. I think my subconscious made me choose this course, already aware of a situation which hadn't truly struck me yet. I'm afraid I've lived too long in this stereotype and my voice will never rise up, but I'll let time and practice determine it. I'm tired of controlling my behavior, and if I unleash a chain at a time, maybe I'll find myself to actually prefer a facet I had still to explore. As for living undefined, that's the goal. Most people might be undefined towards themselves, but to let the world contemplate their paradoxes, to stand sure of who they are, wearing no masks, that's a real challenge. Afraid of taking away the mask, I'll at least try new ones. Maybe you have to be a bit of everything before finally not being any: nothing more than your own true self.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57438
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37012
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958750
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190886
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments