Week 11- Hakimuddin Radhanpurwala: The r H y T h M



Art. Expression. Movement. Silence. Rhythm

Lenaea Theatre Festival
There's this special thing about theatre that I've never really understood. It's this unspoken rhythm that sets the stage on fire and lights a spark of joy, melancholy, hate, disgust, and fear within the audience. The theatrical rhythm is something unique in every single person I've met. It's the idea that no two people will ever be able to perform the same exact actions, voices, or even facial expressions. But as unique as this rhythm may be for each individual, it is a distinct principle and belief accessible to those who dare explore it. 

We've all watched The Dark Knight, the Titanic, or even Hamilton, and we find ourselves growing with the shifty figures on our screen. We immerse ourselves into their world, find sorrow in their sadness, celebrate their victories, and boo their enemies. These characters become a reflection of ourselves in one way or another, and every character we watch fosters a unique feeling that stings the crevices of our heart with pleasure or disdain. There's this rhythm that the actors weave within their roles, and the crux of it all is the truth that there truly is no difference between the actor and their character---they are two pieces of the same cloth. 

This rhythm follows the tails of theatre and grows on to both the artist and their creation. It holds a great power, an unspoken principle, and a fragile truth that blurs the lines between reality and the imaginary. Quite frankly, it's a simple thing to witness yet complex in every facet of its nature; the rhythm insinuates the belief that the characters we drag on to ourselves, the characteristics we catch from people we meet, and the products of our artistic pursuits yield an ultimate power that alters the lingering beat folding within our souls. 

Comments

  1. Harini KannanFebruary 12, 2025 at 9:50 PM

    Hi Hakim! I first want to say that the picture you included is really cool! Your post really made me think about how theatre pulls people in with energy and rhythm, not just the story itself. I've definitely had moments where I get super caught up in a movie and forget that it is imaginary. The actors truly do a wonderful job of blurring "the lines between reality and the imaginary," to quote you. I haven't actually watched that many plays, so that is next on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Ansh GalaFebruary 17, 2025 at 9:58 PM

    Hey Hakim, your connection of an artist to their rhythm was very nice. I can see that you are very passionate about acting and the performing arts. I love how you recognize that each person's rhythm is unique to themselves. The roles we play get their signature looks due to the fact that we are all different individuals. Usually the most entertaining characters are the ones that are able to stand out since they are played in such a way. Even in dance, I can tell you that each and every person's unique style is what gives a dance performance its spark. The way that people are able to make the same movements as everyone else, into to their own movements just through style and attitude is amazing. This is one reason I love performing so much. It allows me to always be unique to myself.

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