Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: June 01, 2023 | 
| 中文
Hannah Gaff conducting a physical theatre workshop in Lyari, Karachi
Students at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi’s theatre academy stepped into the vibrant world of physical theatre as Hannah Gaff, an American artist with a flair for acrobatic storytelling, embarked on a thrilling adventure with them in a month-long workshop. In an exclusive interview with Youlinmagazine.com, Gaff shared her insights and experiences, shedding light on her remarkable journey of artistic exploration.
Gaff, a Fulbright specialist known for her expertise in physical theatre, found herself matched with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, thanks to the US Consulate. With a passion for acrobatic theatre, she was eager to bring her unique skills to the students and artists in Pakistan. "I’m a physical theatre artist from the US, based mostly in San Francisco. We make acrobatic theatre," Gaff said, expressing her passion for acrobatic theatre.
Hannah Gaff instructing ACP theatre students in her physical theatre workshop
Upon her arrival, Gaff was immersed in the warmth and hospitality of the Arts Council. "I haven’t seen a lot of Pakistan yet, but I have spent a lot of time here [Arts Council], and everyone’s been so kind and welcoming," she said with a touch of gratitude. The vibrant cultural tapestry of Pakistan fascinated her, and she eagerly delved into the local theatre scene, ready to leave her mark.
Gaff's mission at the Arts Council was clear, to equip the acting students with the physical tools that help them delve into their characters and tell captivating stories through their bodies. Building upon their three years of acting training, Gaff introduced techniques such as physical storytelling, clowning, acrobatics and the expressive power of gestures. "They [her students at ACP] already have three years of acting training behind them. I am hoping to teach them to tell stories using their bodies," Gaff explained, her voice brimming with excitement.
Throughout her interactions with the students, Gaff discovered that beyond cultural boundaries, there was a common thread that connected artists worldwide. When asked if she noticed any significant differences, she playfully remarked, "I don’t think so. People have bodies everywhere, and they’re all the same." This realization fostered a sense of unity and a shared passion for the arts.
Hannah Gaff during a performance
The culmination of Gaff's teachings and her students' dedication was showcased through a performance at the Arts Council Auditorium on Sunday, May 28. "I have been working with the students at the Arts Council on physical storytelling techniques, and how to tell stories with the body. On Sunday they will be displaying everything that they have learned, and we hope that people will enjoy the performance," Gaff said, anticipation evident in her voice as the performance was yet to happen at the time of the interview.
The performance, that this scribe attended on Sunday, consisted of a number of short performative acts mostly focusing on clowning techniques. It was theatre like Pakistan had never experienced before. The students had a series of short skits prepared to showcase all the techniques they had learned during Gaff’s time with them.
Gaff's journey in Pakistan was not without its challenges. The language barrier presented both obstacles and opportunities. "Language can be a bit of a barrier, and also an opportunity. My students have been teaching me some Urdu each day!" she said, showcasing the beautiful exchange of knowledge and culture that took place during her stay. Despite the difficulties, Gaff's dedication and the students' enthusiasm overcame the limitations of language.
Hannah Gaff's students perform
Reflecting on her teaching experiences, Gaff emphasized the mutual learning that takes place between teacher and student. "As always, when I travel and teach, I find that I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me," Gaff admitted with a touch of humility. The cross-cultural exchange enriched her own artistic journey and broadened her understanding of the diverse world of theatre.
Gaff's encounters with different cultures and people left a lasting impression on her. She candidly revealed, "The biggest cultural difference I have witnessed came from the fact that I carry a US passport, and so usually that opens doors for me. Here I had to be cautious; my movement around the city and country was not so free. It really made me appreciate what people from various cultures may feel when operating in other parts of the world."
While teaching young girls at a local school, Gaff witnessed the transformative power of movement and expression. "While teaching girls at a school, I realized how, as women, there’s a lot of unsaid restrictiveness when it comes to movement. Throughout the course of the lesson, I saw how those girls shed their shyness and were more open to expressing themselves through movement," Gaff recounted, her voice filled with admiration.
Hannah Gaff with the students of a government college in Karachi
Looking to the future, Gaff expressed her desire to return to Pakistan with her troupe, bringing the magic of their performances to various parts of the country. "I wish to return to Pakistan with my troupe this year and perform all over the country. One thing I am sure of, this is not the last time I am visiting this beautiful country," Gaff said, sounding determined.
Aspiring artists in Pakistan can find inspiration in Gaff's valuable advice that curiosity and movement are key. "If you keep your mind and imagination open and curious, you can do anything," Gaff passionately asserted, encouraging young artists to unleash their creative potential.
Gaff's visit to Pakistan marks a significant milestone in the artistic education of students at the Arts Council. Her unique fusion of local and international techniques has set the stage for a thriving theatre scene. Her journey exemplifies the power of collaboration and cultural exchange, inspiring artists to embrace creativity and fearlessly embark on their artistic journeys.
Hannah Gaff receiving an award from Muhammad Ahmed Shah, president of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi
The collaboration between Gaff and the Arts Council is not just a fleeting moment, but instead a catalyst for transformation, a captivating story that intertwines cultures and creativity. As Gaff bid farewell to Pakistan, she has left behind a legacy of inspiration, urging all artists to embrace their curiosity, move with grace and fearlessly craft their artistic journeys.
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