Maria Kirmani, Grade 12
MUWCI
One of my first proper experiences with theater was during what we call a “trial period” at MUWCI, where newly arrived first years get to pick any class they like to join, to get a sense of if they like it and think it’s a fit for them. Honestly, when I decided to pick that class I wasn’t thinking much. Upon arrival to my very first theater class, I saw probably the most random set of people from school there, people that didn't seem theater-y at all, but then again I wasn’t the god of theater myself either.
I remember we started with a few games and ice-breaking exercises, and then the teacher gave us some of the class time to make ourselves a theater journal presentation, to put in our most impactful experiences with theater or art and what they’d taught us. Sadly, due to my very limited experience with either of those things, I vividly remember racking my brain to remember the title of the school play I’d done in 5th grade or to find any decent piece of artwork I’d ever made and I was failing at it.
The teacher noticed this because honestly, it was hilariously clear that I was struggling.
I explained my situation to him and what he told me is something I now apply to any situation where I find myself struggling. He said it doesn't matter. I was a bit confused when he said this, “does this guy not care about his own class?” I thought in my head. But it wasn’t that he didn't care about the class, he cared about our art. He told me to add two of the most ridiculous-looking paintings I’d ever drawn and a Kashmiri comedy sketch that I performed at a random summer camp to my presentation, so I did. I was sweating before the presentation because the girl that had gone before me did musical theater at some posh academy basically all her life, but, as I was giving my presentation, talking about the silly summer camp skit or my ridiculous paintings, what I realized was that nobody else thought that those things were silly or ridiculous. I realized that art does not have to be perfect in order to be enjoyed. In fact, most often the art that’s most appreciated is the art that is flawed. And what use it is if art is “perfect”, is there anyone who can relate to it? Anyone who can be moved with its depth? No, because perfection is one-dimensional and bland. You touch people when you show vulnerability, which in the most fundamental sense happens when you are true and authentic to yourself because in some symbolic way, you are your art.
I remember we started with a few games and ice-breaking exercises, and then the teacher gave us some of the class time to make ourselves a theater journal presentation, to put in our most impactful experiences with theater or art and what they’d taught us. Sadly, due to my very limited experience with either of those things, I vividly remember racking my brain to remember the title of the school play I’d done in 5th grade or to find any decent piece of artwork I’d ever made and I was failing at it.
The teacher noticed this because honestly, it was hilariously clear that I was struggling.
I explained my situation to him and what he told me is something I now apply to any situation where I find myself struggling. He said it doesn't matter. I was a bit confused when he said this, “does this guy not care about his own class?” I thought in my head. But it wasn’t that he didn't care about the class, he cared about our art. He told me to add two of the most ridiculous-looking paintings I’d ever drawn and a Kashmiri comedy sketch that I performed at a random summer camp to my presentation, so I did. I was sweating before the presentation because the girl that had gone before me did musical theater at some posh academy basically all her life, but, as I was giving my presentation, talking about the silly summer camp skit or my ridiculous paintings, what I realized was that nobody else thought that those things were silly or ridiculous. I realized that art does not have to be perfect in order to be enjoyed. In fact, most often the art that’s most appreciated is the art that is flawed. And what use it is if art is “perfect”, is there anyone who can relate to it? Anyone who can be moved with its depth? No, because perfection is one-dimensional and bland. You touch people when you show vulnerability, which in the most fundamental sense happens when you are true and authentic to yourself because in some symbolic way, you are your art.
www.unitedworldwide.co