Stanislavski: An Introduction

by Jean Benedetti

'A small jewel of a book, a knowleageable introduction to both
Stanislavski's personal development and to the content and range of his
writings' Theatre Journal
'...shows the System to be a practical process - drama school students and actors will be grateful for it' Times Eductational Supplement
'A carefully documented study of peak interest and value to every serious student of acting theory' Choice The Stanislavski 'system' is still the only comprehensive method of
actor training we possess. His theories can be hard to grasp and many
academic books are impenetrable on the subject. This is a concise book
for students that presents a readable introduction to the life and work
of Stanislavski. It shows the slow growth of the 'system', from its
roots in the tradition of Russian realism, to the various phases it
went through until the final emergence of the Method of Physical Action
in the years before his death. It also provides a short account of the
writing, publication and translation of Stanislavski's books on acting. In this edition, Jean Benedetti makes several important updates in
the light of new material and new translations becoming available.

Genres: Theatre, Art

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 1982

Reviews

[Amrita Sarkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book that will serve as an informative study of stanislavski, both biographically and his writing legacy. However, most concepts are rushed through and it is a better idea to go through the outdated Hapgood books first to appreciate its faults.

[Redon K · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very easy read and comprehensive description of the biography of Stanislavski and his work. Big concepts were simplified and made easier for the reader who may not be familiar with Stanislavski's work.

I generally enjoyed how it created a good picture of things I had learned in acting school but now it was easier to grasp.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the System's evolution through time - Stanislavski's constant desire to experiment and research and his devotion to understand truth on stage, give power to the actor, who was not indeed seen as a creative and to this day the discussion whether actors are creative or not continues and for giving a system to the world which searchers can use if they wish.

Favorite remarks: Unconcious - Concious.

Favorite quotations: The actor must condition himself, this meant daily exercises: mental and physical, no less than the dancer or the athlete. (Which is a reminder to actors that acting is a craft that needs constant movement and exploration).

[Tom Houlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is informative in terms of giving a history of Stanislavski himself, however, it gives little background to his techniques and ways of working. Bit disappointing.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

مفید

[Seni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, now I can truly become patrick bateman

[Louis Chadburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, if not over exaggerated. The want / nessesity for a way of working I’m not sure I agree with

[Michael Bedford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good overview of Stanslavski's life and work. As the back cover of my edition says, it's important to read this book alongside Stanislavski's writings to get the full effect. I was without any of these writings and I was still able to engage with the book, but not in as meaningful a way as I could've if I'd had the supplemental works.

This is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the development of Stanislavski's system and its continuing development in the contemporary world of theatre.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it provided an insight into the how the 'system' was developed and definitely helped my understanding. It's short and easy to read which makes it ideal for students who want to learn more about Stanislavski and the 'system'.

[Josh]

well folks it looks like im now officially a stanislavski trained actor, hollywood look out because i'm taking your job