Tableau Diary with Vanessa
Workshop Coordinator Vanessa has a fun activity you can do wherever you are with whatever is around you. All you need is any device with a camera (phone works fine) if you are sending images to a teacher for credit or posting online. Click on the video above, or read the instructions below, and create a "tableau diary" that documents your day and your mood.
Hi! My name is Vanessa, and my background is in theatre education and dance. I have a suggestion for something you can do in whatever space you currently occupy. We are going to make a three-part tableau story that represents your day.
“Tableau” is a French word for “living picture,” a frozen image of a scene where the actors are stationary. I invite you to make three tableau images to represent the beginning, middle, and end of your day during the stay at home order. Start by checking in with yourself and identifying a phrase that describes the mood or emotion you might feel in the moment. Then, think about how you might represent or even exaggerate the word using objects around you as props or costumes (with permission), lighting, or background. If you are quarantining with someone, perhaps invite them to participate.
Here is an example of my three-part tableau story:
1. Morning Exhaustion
I don’t know about you, but these days I am so tired. I wake up, have breakfast, take a shower, and am ready to get right back into bed.The moment I attempt to get ready, true exhaustion attacks. You can see it in my pose, props, and clothes: finger in my lotion, products scattered on my bed, hair wrapped in a towel; and I’m still in my robe. Notice the sun trying to peek in and the serene mood of the room, enhancing the exhaustion that hits me at start of the day during quarantine.
2. Midday Regret
During this quarantine, exercise has been a struggle for me. I am not into it, so I try and go outside, get some fresh air, and have a change of scenery. My props include some exercise equipment, and do you notice that huge bottle of olive oil? Well, I don’t have any weights! Exercising feels like juggling multiple things at once: your form, equipment, endurance, breathing—it goes on and on! In that instant, I feel regret. My facial expression screams, “Why am I doing this?” Don’t forget to add your facial expressions to aid you in representing your emotion.
3. Evening Satisfaction
Finally, my favorite time of day is when I can eat. Stocking up during these times has given me something to be giddy and excited about—I brought out everything to communicate the options of different snacks and emphasize the idea of satisfaction. Observe the excitement on my face as I multitask raising the volume and eating a delicious chip.
Theatre can help us become aware of our emotions while creating art, especially during challenging times. Use your creativity as a guide to express feelings you might be experiencing. This will help you not only document your day and emotional process but, most importantly, allow yourself to have fun! Go ahead and try it out, and remember to tag @artworxla if you post any of the images.
Stay safe, and don’t forget to wash your hands! —Vanessa
