190 Pages
    by Routledge

    190 Pages
    by Routledge

    Following in the footsteps of his renowned teacher Konstantin Stanislavsky, Michael Chekhov’s work as an actor, author and theatre practitioner gave great insight into how to access the creative self. This revised and updated edition of Michael Chekhov includes:

    • A biographical introduction to Chekhov’s life

    • A clear explanation of his key writings

    • An analysis of his work as a director

    • A practical guide to Chekhov’s unique actor-training exercises.

    As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners offer unbeatable value for today’s student.

    List of figures

    Preface to the second edition

    Acknowledgements

    I. BIOGRAPHY AND CONTEXT

    Childhood

    Chekhov at the Maly

    The Moscow Art Theatre

    Chekhov at the second MAT

    The Path of the Actor

    Exile

    Wandering 1928–35

    The studios

    The Hollywood years

    2. WRITINGS ON THE TECHNIQUE OF ACTING

    Introduction

    The actor's body and psychology

    Imagination and the incorporation of images

    Improvisation and ensemble

    Atmosphere and individual feelings

    The Psychological Gesture

    Character and characterisation

    The higher self and creative individuality

    3. CHEKHOV AS DIRECTOR

    Choosing the focus

    The Possessed (1939)

    Twelfth Night (1940)

    Pickwick

    Some thoughts on the rehearsal process

    4. PRACTICAL EXERCISES

    Introduction

    Crossing the threshold

    Making contact

    Confidence

    Concentration

    Significance

    The four brothers

    Atmosphere

    Actions and qualities

    Archetypal gestures

    Imagination

    Centres

    Archetypes

    Imaginary bodies

    Objectives and the Psychological Gesture

    Ensemble and group sculptures

    Rehearsal

    AFTERWORD: COMING UP TO DATE

    The first fifty years

    The field begins to expand (2004–2009)

    Towards the future

    Bibliography

    Index

    Biography

    Franc Chamberlain is Professor of Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Huddersfield, UK, and the series editor for Routledge Performance Practitioners.