On the art of reflection in the arts!

Abstract

I was invited to the symposium in order to hold the workshop A crash course in RPK (Reflections on Practical Knowledge). Since I work both as a lecturer and as an actor, and of one the key ingredients in RPK is reflecting on our personal experiences, I thought the best way of introducing my workshop, during the introductory Sunshine speeches, would be through telling a story about my life as an actor. This story starts with myself as a young actor performing for small children. It all begins in an early November morning with chaotic weather, snowstorm and myself as the “lone hero” trying to solve everything that comes in my way, being late and constantly exposed to new problems. After running around like a mad man on a problem-solving mission while building the set, I can finally open the doors and let the young audience in. However, a couple of minutes into the performance I hear a young girl say loudly: “When does the theatre begin?” I’ve used this story in a lot of situations to explain some of the circumstances I can face as an actor in a small company on tour. To me it is a typical ...