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Connecting Actors and Soldiers
Here’s a surprise that popped up in YouTube’s recommended videos: Adam Driver (aka Kylo Ren) talking about his transition from United States Marine to Hollywood actor. Driver’s speech is only 9 minutes (half the video) and impressive in more ways than one. In a rapid-fire presentation, he touches on differences between military life and civilian life while also noting similarities between soldiering and acting.
Like all actors these days, it seems, Driver sponsors an organization. But his is a strange one: Arts in the Armed Forces. The basic mission statement is ho-hum. But the explication, like similar statements in Driver’s speech, is fascinating:
[….] Importantly, after each of AITAF’s performances, the actors interact with the audience through a question and answer session as well as a more informal mingling period.
The goal is not simply to provide an enjoyable evening, but to use the powerfully emotional shared experience of live theater to open up conversations capable of bridging the divides between military and civilian, service member and family member, the world of the arts and the world of practical action.
I’m sure there are benefits for both sides of that equation. But it’s especially nice to know that a few more actors are being exposed to “the world of practical action.” @garymcvey is absolutely right that conservatives should do more writing and acting, less complaining about others who do. But this is helpful too.
Driver’s speech also highlights a vital ingredient in so many success stories, both civilian and militant: drive. Victory is achieved by those who will accept nothing less.
Published in Culture
I hope you’re about to send one back my way… don’t leave me hanging here Mr. Saint sir!
I stand corrected ma’am.
And the hug back? Still waiting here, arms open…
Hug, salute, and a Junior Stoker special all coming your way. Just don’t tell @rightangles. She hasn’t been herself here lately.
I don’t know that I warrant a salute but I won’t argue with a Marine. You guys give the best hugs… Thanks.
Seriously I am sitting here hugging myself and feeling the love from Simon Templar. Really really thank you. My kids already think I’m a fruitcake so it’s ok…
“Former”, heh…And, of course it does: “Once a Marine…”. S/F, ST!
I’ve probably mentioned this a few million times before, but am pretty proud of the fact that I went to both Parris Island and Quantico. Enlisted to officer, or in Marine speak – I was/am(?) a mustang. Oo -freaking – rah!
…As your Honorary sis, I [salute] you, return your OOH-RAH(-LA-LA), and add a “Giddyap, let’s ride, mustang!” (-:
Be careful for what you wish for. Just sayin’
Rgr that, PM sent, re: requested intel…
Hey friends — saw this news about Adam Driver today and thought of this nice thread from way back…
http://pagesix.com/2017/06/28/adam-driver-surprises-military-family-with-a-scholarship/?_ga=2.77961812.1976340535.1498515725-1828431544.1498515725
It’s a fine & American thing to do! Thanks for sharing the news.