This film provides an in depth exploration of the complex and intimate relationship between Actor and Director when working on a play-text.
It was shot extensively during 3 months of intensive rehearsal and performance in 2011. The core of the process presented in the film involves working with physical and (subsequent) emotional intensity in the space, and crucially not imposing any preconceived ideas onto the work.
With his actors Dalip explores characters and relationships in and through the moment, and via intense, provocative and consistent questioning of physical choices the actor's transformation is seen to clearly emerge over time. The work is centred on the concept that Action precedes Emotion and the development of a vital dual consciousness between character and actor. Chapters in the film are:
- Actor and Director - the intimate relationship
- Actor and Director - egos and attitudes
- Action v Emotion
- Choices - pushing, questioning, arguing and understanding subtext
- The illusion of life - risk, danger, not playing safe.
- Reflections on Theatre
Dalip Sondhi was trained as an Actor and Director in London and New York beginning in 1988, and has since worked extensively within both the professional and educational contexts.
See Images from the film