Acting - What is it? How to do it? Why do it? | David Wenham | TEDxSydney

Summary

In this reflective speech, an actor shares their multifaceted life journey, from being a lawyer and soldier to a priest, before ultimately finding their passion in acting. The speaker discusses the techniques they use to embody characters truthfully, such as drawing on personal experiences and physical actions to evoke emotion. They highlight the power of storytelling, recounting their role in the film *Molokai*, where they worked alongside real leprosy patients, and how stories can have lasting impacts on individuals and society. Ultimately, the actor emphasizes their love for storytelling as the driving force behind their career.

Takeaways

• 😀 David's life has been full of diverse roles, including being a lawyer, priest, soldier, policeman, and actor, showcasing a wide range of experiences.
• 😀 Acting began for David as a way to make people laugh through simple techniques like silly walks, voices, and physical humor.
• 😀 David discovered a deeper motivation for acting, leading him to explore the craft beyond just comedy, learning about techniques like Sanford Meisner's 'behaving truthfully in an imaginary situation.'
• 😀 A pivotal moment in David's acting journey was his school performance of Shakespeare's *Henry IV Part 1*, where he instinctively used acting techniques even before formal training.
• 😀 After graduation, David used external techniques in his acting, such as physicalizing his character's emotions by injuring himself for a performance in *Blue Remembered Hills*.
• 😀 Storytelling is at the heart of acting for David, allowing actors to express universal human experiences, including passions, dreams, heartbreaks, and joys.
• 😀 Some of David's most impactful roles were based on real people and events, demonstrating how storytelling can heal and inspire others.
• 😀 In the film *Molokai*, David played Father Damien, a priest who helped build a community for leprosy patients. The filming process involved interacting with real patients, which added authenticity to the portrayal.
• 😀 David's experience in *Molokai* included returning to the island to screen the film for the patients, allowing them to see themselves portrayed on screen, which was a deeply emotional and prideful moment for them.
• 😀 David's role in the 2001 film *The Bank* featured a character who exposed corruption in the banking system, a story that became more relevant in the years following financial crises and the banking Royal Commission.
• 😀 David believes that stories are a powerful tool to change people, their perspectives, moods, and even opinions, highlighting the cathartic and transformative nature of storytelling.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to become an actor?

The speaker was inspired by a desire to make people laugh from a very young age. They enjoyed performing silly walks, doing ridiculous voices, and other comedic acts. Over time, this inclination grew into a passion for acting.

How does the speaker define acting?

The speaker references Sanford Meisner's definition of acting, which is 'behaving truthfully in an imaginary situation.' They emphasize that acting involves authentic behavior in fictional scenarios.

What was the speaker’s first significant experience with acting?

The speaker's first significant experience came during a school performance of Shakespeare's 'Henry IV Part One,' where they played Hotspur. They prepared by mentally visualizing the battle described by their character.

What is the significance of the 'method' or 'method acting' in the speaker’s approach?

The speaker uses method acting techniques to deeply immerse themselves in their characters. For instance, they vividly visualize situations or use external techniques, like physical discomfort, to align with their character's emotions.

How did the speaker prepare for their role in 'Blue Remembered Hills'?

The speaker physically prepared for the role by bashing their elbows and knees against a rough brick wall to mimic the physicality of a seven-year-old, allowing them to connect emotionally and authentically with their character.

Why does the speaker find acting to be a healing and inspirational activity?

The speaker believes that acting is a way to tell powerful stories that can resonate with people, offering healing or inspiration. They cite their involvement in the film 'Molokai,' where storytelling about real events helped patients with leprosy see their own history reflected on screen.

What role did the speaker play in the film 'Molokai,' and what made it special?

The speaker played Father Damien, a Belgian priest who volunteered to work with leprosy patients on Molokai. The film was special because it involved real leprosy patients, who helped inform the storytelling, adding authenticity and emotional depth.

How did the screening of 'Molokai' impact the leprosy patients involved in the film?

The screening of the film was an emotional experience for the leprosy patients. They had never seen themselves on screen before and felt a deep sense of pride and joy seeing their stories told. It was a moment of validation and recognition for their community.

What film did the speaker work on in 2001, and how does it relate to financial corruption?

In 2001, the speaker starred in the film 'The Bank,' where they played a bank employee who uncovers corruption within the institution. The film's plot, involving the collapse of the bank due to a virus created by the protagonist, resonated with themes of financial corruption.

Why does the speaker enjoy telling stories through acting?

The speaker enjoys telling stories because it allows them to connect with others, express emotions, and reflect on human experiences. They believe storytelling is a cathartic process that makes us more human and helps us understand each other better.