In this dialogical online lecture I give an overview of the current knowledge state we have about what emotions are, what purposes they biologically serve and how they express in humans and also in other animals. We then have a more particular look at a surprising study on acting and emotions that was done by media psychologist Elly Konijn in the Netherlands and then replicated in the United States. We discuss the famous „paradox of the actor“ as formulated by philosopher Denis Diderot in the year 1777 and, provided with the insights we gained from current knowledge, we will add the info that was missing and will „de-paradox“ it. I will then introduce some practical tools for the building of an image of the human „in emotion“ that the partipants can take to their next rehearsal where they can utilize them as a means for clearer, simpler, stronger and more impactful acting.
English / Deutsch
Acting Emotions
“Anne manages to make the most abstract things simple and understandable. She knows how to find a perfect step-by-step structure for the most complex acting content, which not only makes the learning process incredibly easy, but also the application and long-term retention of what has been learnt!”
“Anne helps to stay down to earth and gives concrete advice that is easy to understand and implement. She often explains the concept of abstract, untouchable and unattainable art by raising her hands above her head and moving them like a cock’s comb – a funny but highly symbolic gesture for the would-be incomprehensible often found in acting. You don’t find that with Anne. Anne works with acting in a concrete, useful, material, physical and down-to-earth way.”