Building a Character (Performance Books) - Softcover

Constantin Stanislavski; Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0413367207 ISBN 13: 9780413367204

Publisher: Methuen Drama, 1979

Synopsis

"An Actor must work all his life, cultivate his mind, train his talents systematically, develop his character; he may never despair and never relinquish this main pupose - to love his art with all his strength and love it unselfishly." (Constantin Stanislavski)

About this title

Review

"Indispensable for the actor, stimulating for the layman."
-"The Nation
"Anyone who attempts to train actors or to direct plays will find here a great mine of practical wisdom, all informed by Stanislavski's grasp of the art itself."
-Francis Fergusson, "Educational Theatre Journal
"In (this book) Stanislavski, assuming the reader's familiarity with the 'inner technique', proceeds to study costume and the wearing of costume, bodily movement, voice, speech and the use of language, and tempo and rhythm-- the more external but essential techniques whereby the actor learns to use his physical instrument . . . and he expounds them as only a master can; i.e., with the insight and authority of talent plus expeirence. Anyone who attempts to train actors or to direct plays will find here a great mine of practical wisdom."
-Francis Fergusson, "Education Theatre Journal
"The chapter on Diction and Singing offers an analysis of basic problems of singing that is unrivaled."
-"Musical America

About the Author

Constantin Stanislavski (1863-1938), arguably the most influential director in the history of the theater, was the founder of the renowned Moscow Art Theater. A pioneer of psychological realism and improvisation on the stage, he devoted his life to developing the performance techniques now emulated throughout the world.

Edition details

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Publication date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0413367207
• ISBN 13: 9780413367204
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304