(A Manefesto)
We are the descendants of jesters who mocked monarchs.
The successors of writers who crossed censorship’s lines.
The extension of dancers who grinned as they cakewalked satire before their captors.
The imprint of hands that carved, brushed, stitched, and etched truth when words were forbidden.
The prodigy of musicians who turned protest into rhythm, and rhythm into anthems that outpaced the measure.
We are the enduring continuum—Collaborators of creativity crossing through the centuries.
The legacy of our forebears. The optimism of our successors.
Our individuality is our strength. Our unity is our power.
We are resilient, not resigned. Outspoken, not oppressed.
We reflect the ideals of what is right. We ignite awareness of what is wrong.
Imagination is the artist’s inspiration. Imagination is the tyrant’s ruination.
A tyrant reduces. An artist produces.
Art is authentic. Tyranny is troubled.
Tyranny withers by silencing the will of many. Art blossoms by awakening the will of one.
Tyrants empower themselves. Artists empower the world.
Tyranny expires. Art endures.
If your truth is that art endures, and that tyrants empower themselves while artists empower the world, then empower the world by sharing ART ENDURES.
About Paul:
Paul Russell’s career in the entertainment industry spans over forty years as an award-winning casting director and stage director. He has cast for 20th Century Fox, HBO, Broadway, and major regional theaters.
A frequent guest artist at university BFA and MFA actor training programs, Paul also teaches private master classes to actors
He is the author of the expanded Second Edition of ACTING: Make It Your Business – How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor.
Answers for Actors 