A Columbian theatre artist is thrilled about conducting a workshop in the city Jairo Vergara isnt fluent in English,but that does not deter him from conducting theatre workshops in Mumbai. Theatre has no language, he says with a Spanish accent. Vergara,at his workshop conducted from March 29 to April 3,will impart the art of body language and develop the internal impulse of an actor. Vergara has been deeply influenced by the Growtoski method of acting,which is based on the belief that the actor is the most important part of a production. The workshop will cover basic aerobics,concentration improving techniques,mental and physical stamina building,development of self-awareness and self-reflection. Vergara explains,My techniques concentrate on getting an actor to get extremely aware of his physical movement on stage. This is often ignored by performers. Trained at the EscuelaNacional de Arte Dramatoco in Columbia,South America,in 1976,Vergara spent his last 33 years performing theatre around the world. He has practised,studied and taught theatre in Germany,Denmark,France,Italy and many other countries. In Columbia and many parts of Europe,theatre is a way of life. Our troupe lived together,spent all our time sharing ideas and philosophies. In Columbia,the government commissions theatre groups to help teach people how to better the society, says the 57-year-old,who feels theatre is still in the developing stages in India. But this does not dissuade him from living in Trivandrum and learning Hatha Yoga,Kalarippayattu and Kathak. These practices are so enriching, he says. He uses these movements in contemporary plays like the rendition of the Ramayana and the recent Macbeths Other Half,which will be performed by his wife Yasmin soon. The workshop will be conducted at P.L. Deshpande Hall,Dadar. For details,call 9321595159
