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Nudity - the actor's POV

Mon, 28 Aug 2000, 07:55 pm
Walter Plinge37 posts in thread
Purely as a hypothetical question (at this stage, anyway): how do the actors out there in community theatre feel about nudity?

Would you do it? If so, under what circumstances? If not, please give reasons.

I'm talking serious nudity here; not "underwear nudity", but actual nudity: full frontal, topless, etc.

Would it be unreasonable of a director to ask a large portion (if not all) of their cast to appear fully nude, for instance in plays like "Hair", or "Steaming"?

And would be unreasonable of a director to apply for a season with a local group with a play or production that will require nudity to work effectively? Could he/she find a cast?

I open the topic for discussion....

D.M.

RE: Nudity - the actor's POV

Fri, 1 Sept 2000, 04:59 pm
I have to agree with David here, I think most people would be hard up to admit that they werent personally effected in some way, outside the performance of the play itself, by nudity. I personally would definitely blush, its something I cant control, no matter what sex was naked, but at the same time I would also appreciate nudity on stage or screen if it fitted in with the story as the human body is nothing to be ashamed of. It is terrific that actors can put aside their personal feelings towards nudity and do what is required of their character, because afterall, isnt that what acting is.
A very good friend of mine went to some acting college (I forget the name) in London and tells me that they break your character and make you confront your worst fears before they sculpt you into a thespian. She told me lots of stories about her time there, which mind you, she loved. I am not an actor, I havent the inclination for it, but I believe its an art that if you want to master you have to separate yourself and your fears and your "morals" from the character you are portraying on stage.

JC.

Thread (37 posts)

Nudity - the actor's POVWalter Plinge28 Aug 2000
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