The Stanislavsky Technique: Russia: A Workbook for Actors: Russia - A Workbook for Actors

by Mel Gordon

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 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Conway Sutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this to help me prepare for my drama exam and it was definitely interesting to read about his life and the life of associates. However the main thing I learnt is that he was a bad practitioner to have for my exam and I have no hope of performing in his style so all I can really use is objectives and units. Bits were quite funny but I’m not sure that’s on purpose.

[Krister Ekeroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the Stanislavsky and his times and technique; history, actors and teachers; and exercises!