ON ACTING: An Ocean of Emotions

Last night I attended a seminar sponsored by the Natioal Alliance on Mental Illness. Many parents, spouses and children of the mentally ill were there, and they shared some of the feelings experiened in dealing with mentally ill loved ones. A seminar facilitator listed the emotions on a blackboard; I offer it to actors (and teachers, directors or writers) who think that the list of human emotions is short or simple; and who, in preparing for a performance, or scene, think only one or two emotions can possibly be involved in any deeply felt real experience where love and conflict are ever present.

The Attendees list:
Anguish
Frustration
Fear
Loss
Grief
Helplessness
Love
Anger
Confusion
Joy
Resentment
Hope
Hopelesness
Despair
Overwhelmed
Manipulated
Wanting out
Deceived
Disgusted
Disbelieving
Confusion
Jealousy
A sense of ridiculousness

The items in the list were gathered in only ten minutes.