Friday 20 January 2017

#8 One or two things to learn from improvisation

A recent conversation I had about improvisation made me think about what can be learnt from the practice of that art form, and its relevance to social life in general. Nothing too ambitious!

I came to the conclusion that two important things can be learnt from it (amongst many other things that I haven't been able to figure out yet).

First learning -

Improvisation teaches how to be with others and how to make interactions with others work. What does it mean to "make it work"? It means that the players of an improvisation (whether two or more) first have to recognise one another as essential to the improvisation and to its development. It also means that each player accepts other players, and responds openly and willingly to their invitations. There can't be any hierarchy in improvisation. Each player is as good as any other player, they are fundamentally equals. Each player brings something unique that will reveal its beauty as they mutually accept one another and play with one another. Improvisation teaches us to be with others, not despite others. Any pre-determined choices, personal wishes, desires or ideas have to be relinquished and overtaken by a playful commitment to others. It is a process of surrendering oneself based on the secrete knowledge that this will engender pleasure and joy. Improvisation teaches us that love is not just about giving, it's also about surrendering.

Second learning -

Improvisation helps us to understand power relations. Surrendering does not mean to give up on one self, to place oneself in a subjugated position, or to let others overpowering us. Surrendering means to understand our own power and place within power structures. There is no escape from power. All human relations are based on a balance of power. Power structures constitute the fabric of social life. They penetrate deep int our psyche which has its own internal power structures. Improvisation helps to recognise, exaggerate and sometimes subvert power relations. It also helps to become aware of power structures, to navigate more freely amongst them, and to gain a sense of mastery over one's own destiny. Within limits....