Adapting the Dharma: Buddhism and Contemporary Theatre Training

Abstract

In this paper, we explore two examples of Western theatre practice which draw directly on Buddhist monastic dance. Examining Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s Mudra Space Awareness alongside Mexican theatre director Nicolas Nunez’s Citlalmina allows us to consider the ways in which aspects of Buddhism might be conveyed within performative form, and to consider these practices as translations from Vajrayana Buddhism. This discussion opens into a consideration of the ways in which Buddhism and theatre might be seen to be mutually enriching, and to share certain common potentials as vehicles for cultivation.