Dr. Jiawei Liu

Acting Expression

Transpersonal psychology acting techniques to stimulate creative expression and mass communication.

“In the theatre of acting, the brilliance of artistry outshines mere skills. While skills are constrained by boundaries, artistry, fueled by boundless creativity, adorns the entire stage, transforming it into a vibrant canvas.” Jiawei Liu

Instructor's Philosophy of Teaching

"In the mesmerizing drama of existence, teaching acting must weave its magic subtly, transforming each lesson into a precious gift, not a tedious duty. After all, life is an expansive stage, and we are the actors, given vitality through the art of acting."

Course Description

Transpersonal psychology acting techniques to stimulate creative expression. Our objective is to hone students' proficiency in a variety of artistic modalities, elucidate the relationship between performing arts and societal change, and fortify their confidence in generating aesthetic experiences. Merging theory with practice, we guide students to comprehend and apply Acting skills while scrutinizing their relationships within a larger societal context.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Exploration of Life Themes 2. Hands on with Diverse Artistic Modalities such as drama, music, and dance. 3. Individual Creative Expression 4. Collective Creation Capabilities: cooperate with others in Actings, experiencing the power and dynamics of collective creation 5. Acting Techniques such as voice, body movement, and facial expressions 6. Social consciousness and sense of responsibility.

Dr. Jiawei Liu

  • Ph. D. in Psychology: Sofia University
  • MA in Multimedia Communications: Academy of Art University
  • MA in Theater Directing: Moscow State University of Culture and Arts
  • BA in Drama Acting, Shanghai Theater Academy

Professional Publications:

  • “Tutorials of the Language of Drama Acting and Directing” by Xinjiang Art Photography Publishing House, 2012
  • “ON THE STAGE” by Visuals Press in USA, 2014
  • The Training of the Actors: A Transpersonal Psychology Approach through Drama, Amazon Kindle, 2019
  • A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Meaning of Acting, Amazon Kindle, 2020

Public Productions:

  • Director/Producer: “Saints Confucius” written originally by Zhang Guangtian, 2006
  • Director: “Flies” originally written by Sartre, 2007
  • Screen Writer and Director: “Moving”, 2010
  • Screen Writer and Director: “At The playground”, 2016
  • Actor:
    • “Paradise wind chimes”, 2006
    • “Gadfly”, 2007
    • “Resurrection”, 2007
    • “Original Sin”, 2008
    • “East House West Room”, 2008
    • “Thunderstorm”, 2008
    • “Hamlet ” 2008
    • “Rainy Summer”, 2009
    • “Playing Wild duck”, 2009
    • “Dream”, 2009
    • “Secret Love Peach Blossom Spring”, 2010
    • “Othello”, 2010
    • “Macbeth”, 2011
    • “Martial arts”,2013
  • Director: Documentary “The Making of Drama”, 2014

Award:

“Best Documentary Director Award” by San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival, 2015

 

Individual And Cultural Differences

This course is designed to celebrate diversity by welcoming a multitude of perspectives that acknowledge and respect individuals with a wide range of differences. These differences may span across aspects like gender, age, sexual orientation, religious/spiritual beliefs, physical/mental abilities, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. The instructor is committed to appreciating and valuing these diverse viewpoints, both during class discussions and in course assignments, provided they are presented in an academic and respectful manner. This course specifically incorporates individual and cultural differences in the following ways: Engagement in the creative journey of acting both reveals and celebrates the distinct experiences, identities, and cultural backgrounds of each participant. As students explore the craft of acting through experiential exercises, they bring to life their unique perspective of the world. These diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged but celebrated, for they provide a rich tapestry of human experiences that display our shared commonalities and intriguing differences. Thus, through this journey of self-expression, the acting course promotes understanding, connection, and appreciation among its diverse learners.

Communication and Media Systems Theory

Based on the principles of transpersonal psychology, this exploration probes into the heart of acting, particularly in the context of mass communication, adopting a phenomenological lens. Rooted in extensive theatrical experience and the theories of Husserl's transcendental phenomenology and Ricoeur's existential phenomenology, it weaves together the concepts of "acting" and action, providing unique interpretative nuances to the discourse. As students embark on the creative journey, they transcend ordinary boundaries of space and time, wrestle with personal limitations, and step into an imaginal realm teeming with possibilities. This journey stimulates the emergence of a 'creative third' - a dynamic encounter with symbols, narratives, and movement - serving as a powerful conduit for self-exploration and self-transcendence. Such experiences shed light on both the familiar and the unknown, fostering a deep connection with the enigmatic and synchronous nature of the universe. The research method involves gathering and reflecting upon experiential narratives from performers to unveil the phenomenological "essence" of acting. This study, following the methodological guidelines outlined by Herda and van Manen, harmonizes phenomenological theory with its practice, encompassing data collection, analysis, reflection, and writing. As such, the transformative potential of transpersonal psychology acting methods becomes apparent in the realm of mass communication. The process results in a mutual transformation of both the subject matter and the researcher, underscoring the powerful impact of acting as a tool for personal and professional evolution.

Acting Expression/Communication Arts

Your vision will become clear only when you investigate your heart … Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. Carl Jung This course provides a deep exploration into the transformative and healing capacity of acting, undergirded by the guiding principles of transpersonal psychology. By encompassing an array of creative disciplines, such as mixed media painting, visual arts, creative writing, poetry, movement, music, psychodrama, drama therapy, storytelling, and ritualistic practices, it significantly enriches the acting process. Central to this immersive experience are practical acting exercises, designed to amplify Acting skills while showcasing their wide-ranging applicability, including clinical counseling. A core aspect of this course is the fostering of a safe 'temenos', a nurturing sanctuary promoting creativity and authentic self-expression and valuing a diversity of cultural perspectives. Students are inspired to share their mental images, emotional landscapes, and individual interpretations of the spirit, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of acting as a vessel for self-expression. This methodology closely aligns with the phenomenological essence of acting, enabling students to engage with and transform their personal narratives and perspectives. The course embodies the transformative potential of acting, emphasizing its critical role as a tool for personal and professional growth, and a therapeutic modality, in line with the principles of transpersonal psychology. It's particularly relevant for students in mass communication and media, as the skills cultivated within this course will equip them with the creative flexibility, emotional intelligence, and expressive ability crucial in their future careers.

Acting Arts and Actor's Creative Quality

The Creative Task of Performing Arts Definition of performing arts. The creation of stage characters as an art form. Characteristics of an aesthetically valuable character created by an actor.
Key Points and Challenges: Main features of performing arts. Essential characteristics of characters created by actors. How an actor-created character can possess aesthetic value.

Character Creation

TThe process of character creation: script and character analysis, conceptualization based on personal experiences and abilities, rehearsal and embodiment, interaction with the audience, and practical exercises.

Understanding the audience’s role in character creation and portrayal.