Konstantin Stanislavsky

As one of the most well-known names in theatre history, Konstantin Stanislavsky’s teachings on actor training have endured throughout the decades, influencing scholars and practitioners even in the present day. This second edition of Konstantin Stanislavsky combines: an overview of Stanislavsky’s life and work, including recent discoveries an assessment of his widely read text, An Actor Prepares (1936) with comparisons to Benedetti’s 2008 translation, An Actor’s Work detailed commentary of the key 1898 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 ex- ploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners are unbeatable value for today’s student.

List of figures Acknowledgements Preface to the Second Edition I BIOGRAPHY IN SOCIAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT Introduction The amateur years: 1863–98 The director dictator: 1891–1906 Round-the-table analysis: 1906–early 1930s 15 The final legacies: 1930s–1938 and beyond 1. SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF AN ACTOR PREPARES Introduction An Actor Prepares An Actor’s Work 2. DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE SEAGULL Introduction The Seagull’s flight path The Seagull flies 3. PRACTICAL EXERCISES Introduction Introduction to ‘round-the-table analysis’ and Stanislavsky’s ‘system’ Introduction to the Method of Physical Actions Introduction to Active Analysis Conclusion A brief glossary of terms Selected bibliography Index

Bella Merlin is Professor of Acting and Directing in the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production, University of California, Riverside.