UNIT VI.

SOULMAKING, APPROPRIATION, AND IMPROVISATION

PART II: IMPROVISATION

Overview
This chapter discusses the concept of improvisation and be familiar in creating and
performing an art without any preparation.

Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit I am able to:
1. Identify the concept of improvisation
2. Make a story that tells the Filipino heritage through puppet show
3. Create a dance improvisation using the song “the coconut”

Lesson Proper
What is improvisation?

Improvisation highlights creativity, immediacy, innovation, and spontaneity as part of its

product and activity. Improvisation exists not only in the arts but in many other fields. It is more
likely innate in art because in art you need to make an alternative to make the artwork more
aesthetic. In a general sense, improvisation is spontaneous, unplanned or otherwise free-ranging
creativity. Certain performances or products of artistic activity are referred to as improvisations
when they have been produced in a spontaneous originative way.

Philippines and improvisation

The Culture of improvisation in the Philippines (Antolihao, 2004)

 Since the Philippines is situated in the “Typhoon Belt” and the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” natural
calamities are a common occurrence.
 Filipinos have learned to be resilient, resourceful and innovative.
 A house that was built for years can be easily destroyed in one night, thus our early
ancestors never erected permanent residential structures.
 The structures constructed were adaptable, something that could be built and rebuilt in a
short period of time.

An example of cultural improvisation is the bahay kubo (nipa hut)

 Bahay kubo is common as a house in the country because of its versatility and easy to
construct most of the house in the rural community consists, a bahay kubo.
 Geography and climate, available natural building, materials, and local construction skills
influenced the design and construction of the bahay kubo.
 When peasants move to the city, they bring with them their ability to make use of whatever
is available.
 In the urban setting, the bahay kubo evolves into a barong-barong.
  Like the bahay kubo, the barong-barong is built with speed not only to avoid unfavorable
weather, but also to evade landowners and authorities.
 Rebuilding of the barong-barong is just as easy once it is damaged by natural calamities, or
in most cases, destroyed by demolition drives.

Dance Improvisation

Dance Improvisation makes use of the body as the center of experience (Khulmann, 2004).
All experiences are made through our bodies. The body is the focus and experience and perception.

History of dance improvisation

As a postmodern art form that developed in the 1950s, it is reflective of itself. Thae
Improvisational performance examines the body as the medium of art in the form of dance. It puts
into question what are the boundaries of dance performance.

Theater improvisation

What is An Improv Theater? (Rappler, 2017) Improv is a form of theatre and performance
where everything is unrehearsed and unscripted. All the scenes and stories are created on the spot.
Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) is an improv theater company that originated in the
Philippines in 2002. Third World Improv offers classes in improv.

Principles of Improv

 “Yes, and….” This pertains to the acceptance of the situation or idea, no matter how weird it
is, and build on it.
 Making your partner look good - this means putting your partner in the best light possible.
 “walang Laglagan.” - This builds an atmosphere of trust and support so the team can work
together harmoniously.
 Be average - This means never hogging the spotlight, or talking over other improvisers, or
pressuring yourself to be brilliant all the time. It means just doing your part genuinely and
honestly, letting the scene take off on its own.
 Active listening The only way to move any story on stage forward is if you pay attention to
what your scene partner in saying.
 Everything is a gift On an improve stage, everything said or done is an offer if the performer
chooses to accept it. If he/she is listening actively enough, there are openings to create
everywhere – be it creating drama, comedy, or intrigue.

Improv vs. stand-comedy

 Stand up is scripted; done alone, and the material and jokes that comedians hone to
perfection.
 Improv has structures but the content is always on the spot and unscripted. It is also often
done with at least two people, often with a group.
 Certain performances or products of artistic activity are referred to as improvisations when
they have been produced in a spontaneous originative way.
 Improvisation is part of Filipino culture.