Del's not here, dude.
Del Close is gone, but his teachings and philosophies go on. I found a typewritten sheet of notes on long form and the Harold in his papers after he moved from this mortal plane. Here they are. Let us know what you think, agree or disagree, on the message board.
DEL'S NOTES ON THE HAROLD
General Principles
- You are all supporting actors.
- Always check your impulses.
- Never enter a scene unless you are needed.
- Save your fellow actor, don't worry about the piece.
- Your prime responsibility is to support.
- Work at the top of your brains at all times.
- Never underestimate or condescend to your audience.
- No jokes (unless it is tipped in front that it is a joke.)
- Trust... trust your fellow actors to support you; trust them to come through if you lay something heavy on them; trust yourself.
- Avoid judging what is going down except in terms of whether it needs help (iether by entering or cutting), what can best follow, or how you can support it imaginatively if your support is called for.
- LISTEN.
- If the whole is to be Art, the parts must not try to be.
- Harold is like a documentary film- part autobiography, part biography, part simple fact.
- The total may resemble a "Play" (a dramatic work of fiction) but it is not fiction any more than a theoretical scientific paper is fiction.
- Notice how YOU are a part of Harold. How you fit. Then simply enter- join.
- So Harold is expressed.
- Use your mind to make (force) yourself into Harold, and you only express yourself (make Harold into you.)
- Harold can use anything you can do.
- Harold is greater than all of your abilities- or your intelligence.
- Harold needs you; all of you- your behavior, not your description of your behavior.
Praise Harold!
thanks del!
