Transformative Power of the Theatre | Akin Babatunde | TEDxMountainViewCollege

Summary

This inspiring TEDx talk explores the transformative power of theater, sharing three personal stories that illustrate its profound impact. From a young boy's awakening to the stage in Brooklyn, to the use of theater techniques to boost confidence in a politician, to the therapeutic effects of theater for a grieving child, the speaker highlights the art form's ability to build self-esteem, foster virtues, and inspire growth. The speaker also reflects on how theater has the potential to transform lives, as exemplified by figures like James Earl Jones and Lin-Manuel Miranda, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of theater as a force for change.

Takeaways

• 😀 The transformative power of theater is a central theme, with numerous personal stories shared to demonstrate its impact.
• 😀 The speaker's journey into theater began when they overheard a rehearsal at their school and felt a strong connection to the stage.
• 😀 Personal struggles with self-esteem and racism are highlighted, emphasizing how theater provided an avenue for overcoming these challenges.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on an encounter with an assistant principal who discouraged them from pursuing theater due to racial biases, yet they persisted in their belief that they belonged on stage.
• 😀 James Earl Jones is used as an example of how theater can transform personal challenges (in his case, stuttering) into strengths.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the power of theater tools like placement, projection, and purpose, which are used to help individuals communicate effectively and confidently.
• 😀 A story is shared about coaching a man running for office in Florida, showing how theater tools can improve public speaking and presence, even if the candidate didn’t win the election.
• 😀 Virtue is explored through the story of a young boy dealing with the death of his father, showing how theater helped him process his emotions and find a path to success.
• 😀 The speaker highlights how theater can cultivate virtues like acceptance, progress, and courage, which benefit both performers and audiences alike.
• 😀 The impact of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 'Hamilton' is noted as an example of theater’s ability to transform culture and elevate important historical narratives.
• 😀 In conclusion, the speaker encourages the audience to embrace the transformative experience of theater, whether as participants or supporters, to continue fostering its life-changing power.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's message in this transcript?

The central theme is the transformative power of theater, showcasing how it can change lives, boost self-esteem, and provide tools for personal and public transformation.

How does the speaker describe the moment they decided to pursue theater?

The speaker describes overhearing a rehearsal of the musical 'Carousel' and feeling an emotional call that led them to the stage, a moment that solidified their decision to pursue theater.

What personal challenge did the speaker face when they wanted to join the play in middle school?

The speaker faced racial discrimination and self-doubt, as the assistant principal told them they would never be in a play due to their skin color, which deeply impacted their spirit at the time.

What lesson did the speaker learn from this rejection?

The speaker learned resilience and the importance of self-belief, silently vowing to be in a play despite the assistant principal's harsh words.

How does the speaker connect their story to James Earl Jones?

The speaker draws a parallel between their own struggles with self-esteem and the experiences of James Earl Jones, who overcame stuttering to become a renowned actor, illustrating how theater can transform weaknesses into strengths.

What are the three tools used in theater that the speaker emphasizes for personal transformation?

The speaker highlights three tools: placement (how one stands), projection (how one speaks), and purpose (the intention behind what is said), which are key to creating powerful performances and communication.

Can you describe the situation where the speaker used these tools to help someone in Florida?

The speaker was hired to coach a man running for office, helping him improve his posture, speaking purpose, and vocal projection. Although he didn't win the election, he gained valuable lessons in using theater techniques for communication.

What is the third transformative story the speaker shares?

The speaker tells the story of an 11-year-old boy who had lost his father, and through a summer arts program, the boy found the confidence to overcome his grief and eventually pursued a career in communications.

How does the speaker define 'virtue' in the context of theater?

The speaker defines 'virtue' as qualities such as acceptance, progress, and courage that are cultivated through the process of performing and storytelling, helping individuals grow both personally and artistically.

What is the significance of Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Hamilton' in the speaker's message?

The speaker references 'Hamilton' as an example of how theater can transform culture and society, showing the power of theater to influence and reshape perceptions of history and identity in American culture.