Buenos Aires Jaque Press, en inglés y español

     Way back when men and women were living in caves or wandering around looking for some animal to kill and roast on the fire, they began telling stories and acting out their fears, dreams and beliefs. Not strange then that dramatic techniques, role-playing storytelling have become essential educational tools. They demand discipline, concentration, mutual respect, creativity, imagination, self criticism and inter and outer directed learning. Storytellers and actors must develop an inquisitive spirit, cultivate open-mindedness and learn how to work together. They must be good observers and be willing to explore their own possibilities as wee as those of the group. They must get to know

   A free demonstration class on applied storytelling and theater will be held this Saturday, March 14th at 5pm., Independencia avenue 572 in Buenos Aires’ San Telmo neighborhood. English students, teachers, actors and storytellers are invited to join this unique event. Only a conversational level of English is required. No experience in acting is necessary, although clearly helpful. Following the class the coach will announce plans for a theater workshop including diction, body expression, drama games, role-play, improvisation, the creation and telling of stories and the preparation of skits and shows.

For more information, interested persons should call 4342 3588 or write ashopkins@yahoo.com.ar

     Dicen que la vida es un cuento--largo o corto según el caso. Perfecto. Entonces, pasamos el tiempo contanto cuentos--experiencias propias, historias de otros, relatos que nosotros mismos inventamos, leyendas del barrio. ¿Y si contamos los cuentos en otro idioma, en inglés por ejemplo? Es una forma muy amena de consolidar el conocimiento de las estructuras gramaticales y además crear y narrar cuentos es una técnica muy útil para actores, profesores o personas creativas.

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     Inside every brain an untold number of images flash on and off according to time, circumstance and need. They are the tools of creative people, of artists, actors, singers, dancers, writers and even philosophers, scientists and religious persons. Every instant our senses register thousands upon thousands of the "pictures" we take of the diverse situations we confront in our daily lives. These pictures are unique because some are visual, others auditive, others related to our sense of taste, smell or touch. Since they are so many it is impossible to recall all of them,  or relate to them all at one given moment, so we conveniently store them away for future reference.

     Not only individuals, but also nations and ethnic groups store images in their collecti

 Chi Kung practitioners claim that the mind can control and manipulate the flow of energy which one can create through proper breathing. Nobody has yet invented a way to stop the wear and tear of time. But the practice of daily breathing drills can certainly enhance our ability to lead a more healthy and creative life. The key is the circulation of energy, too often blocked by emotional crisis, stress or diverse forms of self denial. Here are a number of simple drills which, if practiced daily, can not only keep body and mind alive with adequate flow of energy; they can also enhance creativity and therefore are of great use for actors and storytellers.

Doing theater, playing, pretending you are the King of Denmark or a down-trodden office worker, screwing your face up, getting into the skin of the other guy, moving your body the way you never do in your placid every-day existence, using your voice to seduce a woman you will never fall in love with or lambast an unscrupulous boss...all is in the book when you enter the fascinating world of acting and storytelling. So...if you are in Buenos Aires sweating out January, why not give theater a chance?

The Hop-to-it Theater Lab announces a summer workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, starting January 3 at 2 p.m. The workshop is a wonderful opportunity to practice English while learning acting and storytelling. It builds self confidence, stimulates creativity and adds colour to language and body expression

You think of so many things before an interview, don't you? What questions to ask, what information you want to obtain...Sometimes also phrases flash through your mind. Such as this one by James Joyce: "The artist, like the God of creation,remains within or behind, or beyond or above his handiwork, invisible, refined out of existence,indifferent, paring his fingernails.” With those words ringing in his ears, the journalist approached Susan Cocimano, an Argentine who uses acting to teach English.

“Hello!”
“Hi!”
“I’m looking for a blond Argentine drama teacher.?
“Oh, really? Here I am!
“Well, Susan, I would like to ask you a few questions about your work.
“Fine.”
“Well, to begin with, who is Susan C.?

       "Anyone with a conversational ability in English is welcome to attend," explained the director of the Lab. Those interested in receiving more information are invited to contact the lab at alfshopkins@yahoo.com.ar

       "The HCLL is dedicated to the improvement of English by means of acting and story telling techniques. No previous experience i