STEADINESS & JOY: LANA SUGARMAN

In 1999 I took my first yoga class and acted in my first play. I was 15 and initially didn’t feel very at home in my body or on the stage, but something was ignited. Ever since, both performing and practicing yoga have become parallel passions in my life. Each discipline offered me space to explore expression in my physical body, emotional world, and imagination. As a kid who used to use a step stool to ‘climb’ trees and begged her mom to make phone calls for her due to intense shyness, this was no small thing. 

Yoga practice increased my awareness, strength, and capability in my body. Eventually I found a studio that celebrated creativity in physical form, but also delved deeply into philosophy and meditation. In 2009 I took my first yoga teacher training and continue to share different styles of practice. One of my favourite threads of wisdom from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is Chapter 2, Verse 46: sthira sukham āsanam, which can translate as ‘Our connection to the earth should be steady and joyful’. Not so far off from the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium’s motto ‘radiate joy.’

When I was introduced to Michael Chekhov’s work by Fabio Polanco in grad school, the Four Brothers (Ease, Form, Beauty, and Wholeness) instantly struck a chord. In the more vigorous yoga classes I teach, we move with intention and try to find the balance between effort and ease. Can we be aware of our entire body in space? And then can we be aware of not just our outer physical form but also any sensations arising, or resistance in the mind or emotional field? The embodied nature of Chekhov technique feels like a beautiful merging of acting and mindfulness. 

As an artist, having a movement practice that keeps me agile and open is valuable, but what resonates with me the most about yoga is the emphasis on self-inquiry. I feel that as an actor I am continually asking questions, about my process, the humanity of the characters I’m playing, why we make and share theatre, etc… Perhaps the main link between yoga and theatre for me is curiosity. Another connection is the concept and importance of ‘sangha’ or community. Having 10 months to build trust, play, inquire, and have the support or ‘steadiness’ of the ensemble is such a gift. I hope to see you on the mat or in the audience!