to know each other better.
My biggest takeaway: we’ve begun!
We began on a beautiful May evening! This evening is historic!
Anisia Ledovskaya
May 6, 2024: Guild of Plastics and Dance
Elizaveta Yuryevna Matvievich:
Today, we attempted to delve a little deeper into the questions of the body. How surprised they were to realize that all this time, their movements had been trivial! But the most important thing… they want to learn, they truly want to!
May 6, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
The session was not without tension among the participants. What I told them challenged their understanding of themselves and the world. Beliefs they held as truth crumbled before their eyes like crystal castles hurled from a cliff. But I stood by them, saying: do not fear, for after the destruction of illusions comes freedom and the clarity to see what must be done next.
During the session, I had to provide immediate support to one participant, as there was no other choice. Her mother is gravely ill, and the moment of her passing is drawing near. I helped her find peace, and this calm extended to everyone around, as if her tears were someone else’s tears as well… and so it was, and so it is.
After the session, another participant wrote to me about her difficult problem – a lack of self-acceptance in the family she is trying to build. Somehow, she keeps returning to unresolved relationships and conflicts from the past that once destroyed her. Worries and haunting images robbed her of sleep, her soul suffering without an outlet. We spoke until 4 a.m., identified the root cause, and outlined a plan for what to do next.
May 7, 2024: Guild of Plastics and Dance
Elizaveta Yuryevna Matvievich:
How wonderful it is that I’m writing this the morning after. Another three hours flew by unnoticed. Oh, the spontaneous improvisation to African rhythms was simply delightful! The exchange of energy was at its peak. So many of them have boundless potential, even if not all of them realize it. The thoughts this sparked in them – and in me – are immeasurable.
May 7, 2024: Guild of the M. Chekhov Method
Ivan Viktorovich Dementyev:
The first practical lesson! We created Living Feelings within ourselves, without drawing on personal experience! Usually, I begin by explaining the three main differences between Chekhov’s method and Stanislavsky’s system, and only then do I introduce the “Expansion – Contraction” exercise. But this time, it was the other way around! Theory will come in the next lesson, but they already know that Feelings can be born in the Center of the Chest through Imagination and Attention!
I am thrilled that everything is unfolding in such a unique way! This is exactly how it should be!
May 8, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
We are analyzing the actions of each participant, exploring both their light and dark sides. It feels as though we’ve been wandering in a desert for decades, where the unconscious manifestations of the learners, without my guidance, once again build “idols” for worship, pushing aside what we’ve worked so hard to reach.
At the end of the session, a true miracle occurred. In a challenging moment, as we delved into questions involving a highly talented participant named Yulia, everything around us suddenly fell silent. It felt as though such stillness hadn’t been in K.S. Stanislavsky’s house for a long time – as if even the floorboards and chairs ceased to creak.
Afterward, there were Anton and Alina. For them, this moment was a small step, but what a step it was for humanity.
May 12, 2024: Guild of the M. Chekhov Method
Ivan Viktorovich Dementyev:
The Feeling of Wholeness! The Most Important Lesson! The Most Crucial Topic!
Mikhail Alexandrovich Chekhov said that an actor who does not feel this very Wholeness has no right to step onto the stage! The world is one and whole, and I am a vital part of it! After all, Nature created me exactly as I am, in this exact time, and in this exact place! Was this a coincidence? I deeply doubt it.
Participant in the Audition for the Guild of the Autonics System
Book Club / Roxana Ruinskaya:
Reflected on the first chapter.
1. I was intrigued by Frans’ observation that scientists lack curiosity. When the first work on the new concept of neuroses was published, the authors expressed approval but continued to act as they had before (similar to agreeing the Earth is a sphere yet continuing to draw it flat). This resonated deeply. It reminded me of people in the modern film industry who agree that different methods of existing on screen are great but often rely on stereotypes (e.g., a girl from Central Asia can only play a cleaner, and a fit, muscular guy is always cast as a bodyguard or gangster).
2. Conversational therapy or “chimney sweeping,” which helped a patient. When I read this, I realized I do the same but without falling into distraction or twilight consciousness. I often create dialogues in my head, sometimes even imaginary plays or situations that never happened. I play them out in my mind.
3. The description of ignoring passion and how the unconscious can almost control you was deeply moving. It’s a little frightening but also fascinating. The unconscious proved stronger… But the patient fidgeted and tried to change the subject, which means she realized one thing was connected to another and wasn’t entirely sure the situation had arisen by itself.
May 13, 2024: Guild of Plastics and Dance
Elizaveta Yuryevna Matvievich:
Today, a little magic happened – for the first time, they touched one another. Only honest sensations. A partner is a canvas worthy of attention, meticulous and careful work. It’s important to feel and trust. Almost everyone managed to trust and keep their eyes closed, though there were exceptions.
Such beautiful impulses are born. Some are organic, while others still try to “look good” and won’t let their body speak. But we’re on the path to it.
And yes, today, beyond everything universal, we also tackled serious earthly matters! Oh, they’ll remember my name in the morning when their bodies speak to them in the language of soreness.
May 13, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
The first part of the session was dedicated to training, specifically exercises in perception, where each participant created an image evoked by their partner. Naturally, this served as a mirror of the unconscious, so precise that it felt like a revelation, requiring no words, explanations, or interpretations – all of it created solely in the freedom of creativity and inner liberation.
We must dedicate as much time as possible to such practices so that they transition from the realm of the new and unknown into a principle of existence and interaction, both in life and on stage.
The second part met noticeable resistance from the participants. I understand that reevaluating past experiences is always frightening, but this is where the most attention is needed, as the fear that arises is merely an illusion. The sleep of reason produces monsters.
I received