Artists in the Classroom (11-12)

Patsy Rodenburg - The Second Circle

I’m currently reading Presence by Patsy Rodenburg. In it she describes 3 circles of energy, the most vital being Second Circle energy, a state of being in which you are “present, alert, and available to others.” (Wow! Interview with Patsy Rodenburg). I’m only on the first chapter and I’m enthralled. One, because it’s written so well and two, because this idea of being really, truly, present has been a huge theme for me this year: in my teaching, in my professional and personal relationships, with my self… How does one slough off the unnecessary, in any interaction, and just be with an other person? Without ego or pretense or distraction. Teaching demands it (or things go downhill very quickly) and professional and personal relationship blossom when it’s there.

If this video sparks interest, another great video is Why I do Theatre.