Transformative Workshop on Suzuki Method and Viewpoints: A Journey of Discovery for 3rd Year Theatre Arts Students
Recently, we, the 3rd year students of the Department of Theatre Arts, had the incredible opportunity to participate in a 21-day intensive workshop focused on the Suzuki Method of Actor Training and the Viewpoints technique. This workshop, led by the esteemed theatre practitioner Prajith K. Prasad, offered us a profound exploration of physical training and performance techniques that will undoubtedly shape our future work as actors and directors.
The Suzuki Method of Actor Training, developed by Tadashi Suzuki and the Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT) in the 1970s, is a rigorous physical training system that draws from traditional Japanese theatre, martial arts, ballet, and Greek theatre. The method emphasizes energy production, breath calibration, control of the centre of gravity, and heightened body awareness. Through this training, actors learn to disrupt habitual movement patterns and create dynamic tension through stillness, allowing them to fully commit to each moment on stage.
Under Prajith’s guidance, we delved into the fundamental principles of the Suzuki Method, beginning with an understanding of our body’s centre and its crucial role in balance. We engaged in stomping exercises that were meticulously broken down for us, focusing on correct posture, controlled breathing, and maintaining energy throughout the performance. Prasad provided individualized feedback, helping each of us refine our technique and build stamina. The intense physicality of the training taught us to use our breath and senses with precision, enhancing our overall stage presence.
Alongside the Suzuki Method, we were introduced to Viewpoints, a movement-based technique developed by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau. This method provides a framework for creating and analysing performance by examining spatial relationships, shape, time, emotion, movement mechanics, and the materiality of the actor’s body. Rooted in postmodern theatre and dance composition, Viewpoints encourages actors to think creatively about movement, gesture, and space.
Prajith K. Prasad, an actor, a graduate of the ITI (Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore), and one of the founders of ‘The Arts Workers’ Studio’, is an accomplished Suzuki practitioner trained by the Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT) in Togamura, Japan. He has also trained under Anna-Helena McLean (Gardzienice, Poland) and Ando Tomoko (ARICA, Japan), and was a participant in the Play Practice International Dance Residency in Bangalore, India. He brought a wealth of experience and insight to the workshop. His approach was not just about teaching techniques but also about encouraging us to reflect on our journey as theatre artists. He posed thought-provoking questions about our achievements over the past two years and what we are striving to accomplish in the future. Each session began with a circle, where we shared how our hearts, minds, and bodies were feeling, fostering a sense of awareness and connection among us. (https://www.iti.edu.sg/alumni/alumni-profiles/prajith-k-prasad/)
Precision became a recurring theme throughout the workshop. Prasad’s emphasis on exactness in movement and breath helped us understand its critical importance in performance. By the end of the workshop, we recognized how precision elevates the quality of a performance, making it more authentic and impactful.
The workshop has left a lasting impression on all of us. Many students have shared that the Suzuki acting workshop was a transformative experience, pushing them to explore the limits of their bodies and teaching the significance of grounding, discipline, and energy control in performance. The intensity and emotional truth they discovered through the Suzuki method have enriched their characters, making their performances more authentic and powerful. The physicality of the training has equipped them with new tools to express emotions and intentions more effectively, ultimately enhancing their stage presence.
As we move forward in our journey as theatre artists, we carry with us the invaluable lessons learned during these 21 days. We extend our deepest gratitude to Prajith K. Prasad for his dedication and expertise, and to our Department of Theatre Arts for organizing and facilitating this transformative experience. This workshop has not only enriched our skills but also deepened our understanding of the craft, setting a strong foundation for our future endeavors in the world of theatre.
Review: Mansi Bansal, Third year student (Design & direction)
Department of Theatre Arts, S.N School of Arts.