Brief Summary
This podcast explores the profound connection between theater and mindfulness, highlighting how the principles and practices of theater can be applied to everyday life for personal growth, emotional intelligence, and spiritual awakening. The discussion covers the importance of being present, understanding roles, and fostering empathy, while also advocating for the integration of theater into education and community life to promote social and emotional well-being.
- Theater as a tool for mindfulness and mindful living.
- Theater's role in fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Integrating theater into education and community life.
- The importance of nurturing the soul and community.
Introduction to Theater and Mindfulness
The podcast introduces Jian Manik Shaw, founder of the Drama School Mumbai, to discuss the intersection of theater and mindfulness. The hosts highlight how theater can enable a mindful life, emphasizing the energy between actors and the audience. They contrast this with the current focus on mobile screens, questioning if society is missing the traditional human experience. Jian shares that walking into a rehearsal room centers him, providing a sense of self and connection with others.
Jian's Journey into Theater
Jian recounts his journey into theater, describing how he felt lost in his early twenties after trying law school and feeling overwhelmed by choices in a liberal arts college. He found solace and a sense of achievement in the theater department, starting with the simple act of sweeping the stage. He loved the ability to create something tangible with his hands, imagination, and body, finding a flow state where he felt whole.
Theater as Mindfulness in Action
Sister Shivani explains that everyone has an innate desire to perform and create, but often lose touch with it as they grow older. She emphasizes that theater is mindfulness in action, requiring constant presence and awareness. Unlike movies, theater offers no retakes, making every thought, emotion, and gesture crucial in the moment. She equates theater to life, where there are no edits or retakes, highlighting the power of being in the now.
Translating Theater's Principles to Others
Jian discusses the Drama School's initial goal to create a robust ecosystem for making great plays. However, he realized that the school's impact extended beyond professional training. A parent noted that his son became a better human being through the school, which made Jian realize that fostering self-awareness, presence, and emotional intelligence was a bonus. He sees theater as rehearsal for life, aiming for students to leave as better human beings with transferable skills.
Theater and Spiritual Awakening
Sister Shivani questions if theater can be a medium for spiritual awakening, especially in a complex and uncertain world. She explains that theater teaches individuals to focus on their own role and script, rather than being influenced by others. This fosters emotional independence and awareness. She emphasizes that applying these lessons to life can lead to personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Reframing Theater in Education
Jian addresses why theater is often an extracurricular activity in India, attributing it to the productization and compartmentalization of education. He argues that theater should be reframed as a knowledge system and methodology for social good, helping people find their humanity. He advocates for teachers to use theater as a set of tools across subjects, promoting active learning and group work.
Envisioning a Society Integrated with Theater
The hosts discuss envisioning an Indian society where young people use theater tools, requiring an ecosystem change driven by passionate individuals. Jian's legacy as Sam Manikshaw's grandson is mentioned, highlighting the potential for transformative change. Sister Shivani emphasizes the need to focus on a child's character and values (sanskar) over performance, nurturing their inner qualities.
The Importance of Sanskar Over Performance
Sister Shivani stresses the importance of focusing on a person's character (sanskar) rather than just their performance or achievements. She argues that society prioritizes performance, leading to a neglect of essential human qualities like caring and humility. She advocates for nurturing everyone's sanskars from a young age, emphasizing that achievement will naturally follow.
Empathy and Role-Playing in Theater
The discussion highlights the value of role-playing in theater, where students can experience different perspectives and emotions. This fosters empathy and understanding. Sister Shivani connects this to spirituality, noting that everyone is playing a role in life, and it's important not to judge or criticize others.
The Power of Process and Playfulness
The hosts discuss the importance of process over outcome, emphasizing that the journey of self-discovery is ongoing. They note that many adults have lost their sense of play and the ability to connect with others. They suggest incorporating playful activities like theater into corporate settings to foster team building and recognize employees as individuals.
Understanding Characters and Building Understanding
The hosts explore how theater helps individuals understand different characters and their backstories, promoting empathy and awareness. They discuss Bertolt Brecht's exercise "not but," which encourages actors to consider alternative choices for their characters, building understanding of why people make certain decisions. This fosters detachment and playfulness, preventing individuals from taking life too seriously.
The Impact on Audiences and the Joy of Resonance
The hosts discuss the impact of theater on audiences, highlighting the resonance and emotional connection that occurs during a performance. They quote Oscar Wilde, emphasizing that theater gives human beings a sense of what it is to be each other. This fosters social connection and combats isolation.
Theater and Healing Relationships
Sister Shivani suggests that theater can help heal relationships by fostering understanding and acceptance. She explains that couples often struggle because they cannot understand or accept each other. Theater can provide a safe space to explore these issues and shift perspectives, promoting empathy and healing.
Drama-Based Therapy and Catharsis
Jian mentions drama-based therapy and arts-based therapy, which tap into self-expression for self-understanding and healing. He discusses the concept of catharsis in Greek theater, where both actors and audiences experience a release of emotions. He also highlights the importance of creating a safe space for judgment-free expression.
Applying Theater Toolkits to Various Contexts
The hosts discuss applying theater toolkits to various contexts, such as parenting and corporate settings. They emphasize the need to promote theater as a methodology that benefits individuals emotionally and personally. They also discuss the importance of making theater accessible and engaging, especially for those who may not be drawn to traditional meditation practices.
Creating a Theater Ecosystem and the Power of Vibration
The hosts discuss creating a thriving theater ecosystem, drawing parallels to the West End and Broadway. Sister Shivani highlights the vibrational difference between watching a movie and experiencing live theater, emphasizing the energizing presence of the actors. She notes that live events are making a comeback after the pandemic, as people seek real energy and connection.
The Importance of Being Seen and Heard
Jian and the hosts discuss the importance of being seen, heard, and recognized, emphasizing the need to see oneself in others. They acknowledge the loneliness and mental health challenges in the digital age, highlighting the hunger for community and live experiences. They stress the importance of re-translating online connections into shared, live spaces.
Nurturing the Soul and Community
Jian emphasizes the importance of nurturing the soul and community, comparing theater to community yoga. He advocates for a Mumbai theater district to promote theater as a way of life. He stresses that nurturing the soul and society is as important as healthcare and education, requiring a holistic approach.
Science, Spirituality, and the Importance of Theater in Schools
The hosts connect science, spirituality, and theater, highlighting the importance of energy and consciousness. Sister Shivani suggests integrating theater into schools from a young age, making it a part of every child's experience. This could counter the negative impacts of screens and technology, promoting expressiveness and connection.
Mindful Minute: Rapid Fire Questions with Jian
In a rapid-fire segment, Jian shares that Gary Oldman inspires him due to his enjoyable villainous characters. He admires his grandfather's infinite well of love and his ability to do things with love. He recommends the play "Life is a Dream" and advises aspiring theater artists to know their "why." His most rewarding moment as a teacher is when students assert their independence and solve problems on their own.
Concluding Thoughts and the Call to Action
Sister Shivani shares that her most rewarding moment is witnessing people's transformation and healing. The hosts align on a common mission to help people discover themselves and create a better world. They encourage viewers to become agents of change and explore the Think Right app for mindfulness resources.
