Konstantin Stanislavsky

Stanislavsky, undisputed pioneer of modern acting technique, continues to form the backbone of much drama teaching, actor-training and theatre practice. Yet many of his ideas remain either elusive or misunderstood. This concise and readable book explains his influence, looks at his life history, assesses his widely read text "An Actor Prepares," and gives both a detailed commentary of the key 1898 production of "The Seagull" and an indispensable set of practical exercises for actors, teachers and directors. It is a complementary mixture of student-friendly analysis and practitioners' handbook. It will prove invaluable material for readers new to Stanislavsky while also giving some fascinating new insights to those familiar with his work.

This compact, well-illustrated and clearly written book offers an essential guide to the complex and contradictory nature of this master of theatre.

Routledge Performance Practitioners are a series of introductory guides to key theatre-makers. These compact, well-illustrated and clearly written books will unravel the contribution of modern theatre's most charismatic innovators.

This is the first book to combine:

- an overview of Stanislavsky's life history

 - an assessment of his widely read text, An Actor Prepares

 - detailed commentary of the key 1998 production of The Seagull

 - an indispensable set of practical exercises for actors, teachers and directors.

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

1. Biography in Social and Artistic Context 2. Summary and Analysis of An Actor Prepares 3. Description and Analysis of The Seagull 4. Practical Exercises 5. Conclusion 6. A Brief Glossary of Terms 7. Bibliography

Bella Merlin is a professional actor and a lecturer in Drama and Theatre Arts at Birmingham University.