Posted on: Saturday, August 21, 2004
FIVE QUESTIONS
Workshop brings Buddhism to actor's training
By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer
Parichat Jungwiwattanaporn, a University of Hawai'i-Manoa Ph.D. candidate who earned her master's degree in theater for youth, has been practicing the art of "creative drama" for more than a decade. Originally from Thailand, she's mixing her art and her faith for a workshop today, sponsored by the Hawai'i Association of International Buddhists' Intercultural and Intergenerational Young Adult Program.
How did "dharma drama" come about?
"The president of the (Hawai'i Association of International Buddhists) group contacted me, because she's known about my work."
Will it be difficult to show Buddhism through movement?
"Not really. There are a lot of similarities between actor's training and the training of concentration. Sometimes when you talk about Buddhist meditation or understanding, being part of the here and now, the mindfulness — that's about being conscious about each breath you take. We can apply (this) to actor's training.
"I have to stress, this is basic. Of course, Buddhist training goes deeper."
What's the age range?
"From kids to college age."
You won't be taping this or anything. You're not shooting the next "Full Metal Jacket" or "Littlest Buddha"?
(Laughs)
"No. I'm not sure if they've had any drama background. These are drama activities to relax. We hope they can use the basic skills they've learned to explore life."
You just got back from vacation. Are you ready?
"Usually, these kind of workshops take more than one hour, but this is giving some really basic activities. ... Three hours is short for me. I could do this for 30 hours or more."
Jungwiwattanaporn has acted in theatrical productions and employs drama as a tool for social empowerment. She just returned from vacation in time to answer these five questions:
From Dharma to drama
'Dharma and Creative Drama'
Youth and young-adult workshop
9 a.m. to noon today
Buddhist Study Center, 1436 University Ave.
Free
973-6555
Note: Wear comfortable clothes.
