Postgrad UK 2008/2009 - (Page 51) www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK Arts and Humanities 51 On stage Nori Hidafumo studied a BA in Performing Arts at Tamagawa University in Tokyo before coming to the UK to take up a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing at East 15 Acting School, part of the University of Essex. There is a long tradition of theatre in the UK because of Shakespeare and I was sure this history would teach me many things so I decided to come here to study. Before my Masters at East 15, I studied a diploma at Goldsmiths College in London; Tamagawa University has a good relationship with Goldsmiths. It seems to me that the training of acting schools in England is generally language-based, again because of the tradition of Shakespeare, namely storytelling. However, I wanted to have not only language-based training but also other training. I knew East 15 was hugely influenced by Joan Littlewood and much of her approach was based upon the theories of Konstantin Stanislavski, so I decided to join this School and explore how East 15 has combined the tradition of English theatre with other training, including Stanislavski’s system, and how it has established a new ‘system’ for the future of theatre in the world. SKILLS TO TAKE HOME My first degree advantage for me, as I sometimes feel that I am losing my Japanese identity! But this is because I am now so used to living in Britain: life in Japan and life in Britain are totally different. MAKING FRIENDS As well as British friends, I have many friends who came from other countries. This is a great experience and I have learned a lot about different cultures. I am learning how to understand and accept other cultures. Also, I had a problem with the language when I first arrived but spending time with my English speaking friends has improved my language. The language is essential for postgraduate study, as we need to read many books and listen to lecturers. So, I recommend learning English before you come to the UK. gave me a more general study of theatre but my Masters is teaching more about how to direct. When I have finished the course I want to go back to Japan to teach what I have learnt here. When a lecturer teaches a subject, she/he talks about it mostly from a British point of view. So, I try to understand it from a Japanese point of view as well. This means that I always study a subject from two different perspectives, which is a great http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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