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The Importance of Artistic Courage
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It’s very difficult to be an artist in this country. Whatever the medium, the artist’s job is to stand up and reflect humanity in all of its aspects- the most beautiful and the most disgusting parts of the human experience. Art is about the truth, and sometimes the truth isn’t very appealing. Society isn’t always concerned with the truth. We live in a pop-tart, superficial culture where money, looks, and personality dominate. To paraphrase Emerson, democracy descends to the lowest common denominator. This is why we rely on artists and the work they produce to cut through the disingenuous, duplicitous, and shallow parts of our interactions with one another. We need art to reflect back the truth of our shared human experience and challenge us to ponder how we live in this life.
The recent controversies at the Whitney Biennial regarding the outstanding painting Open Casket by Dana Schutz and The Public’s production of Julius Caesar are important reminders of the significance of artistic courage.
The job of the artist is not to be fashionable, or sentimental, or trite. We are not here to make things easy, or to abdicate art’s responsibility for the general good. Schutz received death threats, protests, hostile letters, and a call for her searing and poignant reflection on the murder of Emmet Till to be destroyed. The Public Theater, one of New York City’s most treasured institutions had vital funding pulled, and protesters charging the stage to interrupt their timely and insightful take on Julius Caesar. What moved and inspired me were these artists backbone and integrity, their commitment to stand by their art and it’s message. They created art that challenges us to think more deeply, something our society sorely needs.
At my acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio, I train actors, and I always ask my students; what kind of actor and artist do you want to be? What will be your contribution to this art form? A real artist must stand tall and illuminate humanity in all of its aspects. It requires a tremendous amount of courage, grit, and resilience to stand undeterred amidst the response that one’s art engenders.
Free Shakespeare in the Park – Public Theater
I do not support Delta Airlines and Bank Of America withdrawing their financial commitment to The Public Theater. It says, “We believe in art and your mission as long as you create what we like.” Their decision shows incredible cowardice. Nor do I agree with those demanding that Open Casket be destroyed. But what I do love, what continues to inspire me as a teacher of artists, is the kaleidoscope of support, criticism, outrage, inspiration, and humanity that these provocative works have produced. It’s why we do what we do. And we should never stop.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesn’t miss a beat”
“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
