The Stanislavsky Technique: Russia: A Workbook for Actors

By Mel Gordon

Book Overview

It is virtually impossible to discuss modern acting or actor training without first mentioning the Russian thoerist and director Konstantin Stanislavsky. Complete in one volume, Mel Gordon explores the actor training systems of Stanislavsky and his two most important disciples, Evgeni Vakhtangov and Michael Chekhov, tracing the major teachings and refinements over the first 50 years of use by actors. Gordon reconstructs the actual exercises taught at the Moscow Art Theatre and various Russian acting studios, and he clears away the myths and confusion about the practical use of Stanislavsky's System. This volume contains: The Stanislavsky System - First Studio Exercises 1912-1916; Vakhtangov as Rebel and Theoretician - Exercises 1919-1921; Michael Chekhov - Exercises 1919-1952; and Stanislavsky's Fourth Period - Theory of Physical Actions, 1934-1938.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0936839082
• ISBN13: 9780936839080
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc/Bloomsbury
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

I adore mr Gordon (by Theater Student)

I adore this book.It made me understand what our teachers try to explain to us in such unclear and tortous way. If you're involved in theater and/or acting I've one advice for you: READ THIS.

Gordon clears up misconceptions concerning Stanislavski.

Before I read his novel, I had my doubts about Stanislavski. I had tried active memory with some disastrous results. However, Gordon clarifies these misconceptions and others in his novel. He begins each section by explaining the lives of Stanislavski and his disciples (Chekov and Vakhtangov). Hence, the reader gets an understanding of the motivations for each section or interpretation of the System. Furthermore, Gordon gives exercises designed by each man that are useful for actors. Perhaps the greatest thing I gained from this novel is an understanding of what disciple of the System I follow. Chekov and I have similar views on acting. If I had not read this novel, I may never have discovered this. My advice to any young actor who is persuing the Stanislavski's System as a method for acting to read this insightful book