Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Acting on impulse - confessions of a born again Theso

By Rose Cooper - posted Tuesday, 13 October 2009


The actual performances were something else again. The packed hall went ballistic. It was surreal. I had the audience in the palm of my hand. Some literally fell out of their seats laughing and at the conclusion there was a deafening “whooh!” For that perfect moment in time, I was Cate Blanchette. I truly made it my own and they liked me. They really liked me.

People raved on about how “brave” I was. It wasn’t brave. In fact it felt ridiculously comfortable to scream my lungs out in pure ecstasy in front of 600 people. Besides, I’d never faked it before - who knew it could be so much fun? Afterwards, people’s appreciation of what I had done (and how vocal I had been) came laced with gratitude from both women and men. Acting is showing what is real. I candidly exposed my humanity and the experience fitted like a pair of fluffy slippers. I realised then that I truly am an actor. (Ok, sure, I’m also an exhibitionist, but hey … the punters had to pay for their tickets, so it was art, OK?)

How reassuring now to look back and realise that every seemingly “wrong” path in my long road lead me to that singular defining moment. I have seen the light and it’s a neon sign. Can I have an amen?

Advertisement

Of course, it’s a short space from the Penthouse to the Doghouse. The “Depends” phone call came a week later. You have to take the good with the weird and sometimes it means doing wacky things so you can afford to do what is worthwhile.

Those that are yet to acknowledge themselves as artists usually resist claiming the appropriate label. Talented instrumentalists are reluctant to call themselves “musicians” until they are being regularly paid to play. Artists are most critical of their own work. It took me ages to call myself a writer but I’m now prepared to call myself both a writer and an actor. Sure, part of me is still hoping that one day I’ll be “discovered” in a milk-bar like Lana Turner (although it will more than likely be in an espresso bar) and then traditional acknowledgement in the form of fame, will be conferred upon me along with the bigger tax burden. But in the meantime, I’m going legit (hence, the agent). I have heaps to learn and that’s what’s so great about it. Learning to be an actor and learning about life are inseparable phenomena. I’m at drama school every time I wake up in the morning - and of course, many of the times I go to bed.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Page 3
  5. All

The inaugural V-Day Wyong 2007’s two performances of The Vagina Monologues raised $12,000 for local women’s shelters and legal aid. This was backed up with four performances for V-Day Gosford and Wyong 2008 and raising another $40,000. For more information on how your theatre group or college can become involved in this great cause, visit: www.vday.org.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Rose Cooper is a freelance writer and actor who has contributed to many national publications over the past 20 years. She was Australian Women's Forum Magazine's most prolific contributor as well as their Sex Advice Columnist. Her areas of expertise include comedy, women's health and sexuality issues, relationships, theatre and pop culture. For more of Rose's articles visit: www.insiderose.com

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Rose Cooper

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment Comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy