My name is Anna Westerly (my stage name); I trained as an actor and read Theology at university.
I find the arts increasingly important in understanding the world we live in and those around us. There is a paradox at play, I believe, which is the fact that the stage and screen are areas which offer platforms for honesty, and sometimes more truth than can be explored in ‘real’ life itself. The world of ‘pretend’ is at times more truthful than the world of non-pretend. Although aren’t we all actors anyway trying to survive in a world desperately in need of truthful searching for itself?…
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. Oscar Wilde
Related links – Radius Drama: http://www.radiusdrama.org.uk/home/4579484547
Open Platforms 
Just lovely!
Thank you very much! And you.
Beautifully put…the hiding behind masks is something we all do and in this blog genre it is very easy for us to ‘play parts’ so I hope ur blog will help remind all to stay real. Even your mask ‘photo’ is fabulous. It’s funny /sad how people can feel frightened by their real self being seen and known…seated in fear of rejection and belief that the real me isn’t lovable…..do you think the ‘first mask’ in a story was the one worn by ‘Adam and Eve’ when they hid behind the fig leaves? Thanks for visiting my site
Thank you for visiting mine. What you say is so interesting and I had not thought of the Adam and Eve suggestion – yes I think this could be the case. You’ve sugested a good metaphor/symbol, thanks again for your ideas and making me think. Here’s to staying real…
Thanks for your reply…it was you who got me thinking, with your wonderful post.
You had me caught when you stated you are studying theology.
I also thkyu for visiting my blog, i really appreciare it. Regards
Thanks for the connect!
Love what you wrote here, very true.
Many thanks for connecting…
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Thank you for subscribing to my blog ! Welcome 🙂
Welcome and thank you too!
Thanks for following my blog – which then lead me to your lovely blog!
You’re most welcome. Thank you!
Thank you for liking and following my blog. I look forward to reading your posts as we join each other on lifes journey.
You are welcome, thank you too.
Thank you for visiting my blog and following. Your blog is wonderful and I am following it.:-)
http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com
Thank you so much – we will enjoy each other’s writing and ideas.
Wow! Great reply. 🙂
and life smiles.
Anna, I look forward to hearing what you have to say and the things you bring to light on this blog.
Thanks you for visiting In Kara’s World. Always nice to meet another actress!
Very nice to meet you too, thanks for checking in and good luck with the acting.
I’m interested in what you’re saying about: ‘… aren’t we all actors anyway trying to survive in a world desperately in need of truthful searching for itself?…’ It’s like the Buddhist sense of a constructed ‘self’ that has no actual reality. To find the Truth it’s necessary to see the ‘mask’ for what it is? Thanks for posting.
Many thanks for your interest and comment – yes – as you say – it’s so important to see the mask for what it is.
Hi Anna, thank you for liking my blog enough to follow, I really appreciate it 🙂 Great quote from Oscar Wilde and so true. Oh, the masks we wear! I’ve often wondered about them, could we live without them? Perhaps, but that would mean everyone in the world would have to be honest with themselves, to become self-aware and decide to let others see their faults (that doesn’t sound like my sister to me!) 🙂
Its great to have been in touch, Best wishes, SN
Thank you for your comment! Yes – removing the mask is a tough one, although wearing one can expose more than we think.
Dear Anna,
Very well spoken indeed; acting at times gives one the ability to speak the truth under the guise of an actor on stage. I think St. John Chrysostom (eloquent preacher) stated in the fourth century that on the stage, the person acting out the role of a king could in truth be an artisan whereas the artisan could actually be the king. However, both have the possibility of truly expressing themselves behind a mask. Beautifully written, I’m also very much interested in theology. Take great care and God bless
I’m so grateful for your thoughts and information. I am unfamiliar with this preacher – how interesting. Appreciate your interest and support. Good luck with your journey too and I hope you enjoy the blog.
Hello Anna,
Nice blog here. I just read one of your entries and loved it. Looking forward to reading more. =) And the Oscar Wilde quote is actually one of my favorites! The idea of Masks fascinates: http://archaicsugar.wordpress.com/about/
Cheers.
Thanks again! Welome and hope you continue to enjoy the exploration of masks and related thoughts…
*Thank-you.* 🙂
Thank you for liking and following my blog. I hope to see you back soon! 🙂
Thank you for your visit, Anna. You have an interesting and varied blog. You have certainly raised some thought provoking issues. Indeed there are many in our society who are marginalised and vulnerable. They do need our understanding and prayers. Best wishes. Iris
Iris – thank you too for your visit and interest, it’s appreciated. With best wishes, Anna
beautiful and welcome. best, beth
Thank you so very much – as is yours. Best wishes, Anna
Thanks for stopping by. Look forward to getting to know you.
Thank you – and you.
Thank you for popping over to my blog this morning! Is very nice to meet you! Am having a marvellous time having a look around your blog! Most interesting!
Thank you ever so much! I keep returning to yours too for the same reason. All the best.
Hi Anna. Thank you for visiting and following HoB. Much appreciated!
You’re welcome, best wishes.
Thank you for the lovely and profound introduction…how true!
Many thanks, much appreciated – and for stopping by.
Nice to meet you Anna.. and I agree about the masks.. So nice of you to follow my blog..
And I can see I will enjoy reading your posts .
Many thanks
Sue
Thank you so much for your interest in my posts, and your insightful comments on masks (and dancing!). Some of my writing is perhaps ‘deep’ and I never know how it’s received so I really appreciate your thoughts, and glad it has some meaning for you. Best wishes, Anna
So nice to keep in contact my dear friend. Keep it up
Thank you so much – appreciate you looking in. All the best.
Hi Anna. Thanks for following Shaking the Tree, and introducing me to your blog. Cheers, Su
Thanks for following ZimmerBitch too 🙂
Agree that in a world dominated by huge privately owned media interests the questions of truth is not central…..as it seems posturing. ….pretence….and im plied, meanings are always In play and the truth is missed….seemingly confused….and not central at all. Skepticism is a vital necessity and use of critical evaluation techniques absolutely necessary to get at what is really important and actually happening.