Louie Giray's Key Ideas from Acting with Power
by Deborah Gruenfeld

Part I “When The Curtain Goes Up” discusses the concept of power—meaning, myths, and truths. The construct of power is very interesting to anyone; humans are so fascinated about this topic. Psychologists believe that it is because humans are afraid of death and power promises somehow a kind of immortality. Power, based on the prevalent definition, refers to the capacity to control other individuals and their results. To elucidate, power is not the same as status or authority—one can have power without them.

Playing high does not mean immediately landing on the top. A person who exemplifies power-up does not have a hint of self-doubt, maximizes his comfort, speaks slowly and deliberately, and uses complete sentences.  

On the other hand, playing power down invites connection and cooperation. A person intends to appear less threatening and less ruthless. Playing power-down does not imply surrendering power. She builds trust and makes others feel comfortable. 

Gruenfeld contends that acting is not faking—we are just wearing our roles; the author suggests that we try to accept the reality of the stage we are on as in to immerse ourselves fully in it and show a version of self that makes sense. 

Gruenfeld contends that acting is not faking—we are just wearing our roles; the author suggests that we try to accept the reality of the stage we are on as in to immerse ourselves fully in it and show a version of self that makes sense. 

She argues “power sometimes corrupts but abuses of power can be avoided.” Moreover, according to the author, the effects of power are:

(1) disinhibition, people act more readily on almost all kinds of impulses;

(2) objectification, treating humans as objects to attain personal aims; and

(3) entitlement, thinking that they deserve the things they want just because they want them.