Michael Chekhovs Acting Technique: A Practitioners Guide

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Intended for actors, directors, teachers and researchers, this book offers an exceptionally clear and thorough introduction to the renowned acting technique developed by Michael Chekhov. Sinad Rushes book provides a complete overview of the whole method, and includes illuminating explanations of its principles, as well as a wide range of practical exercises that illustrate, step by step, how they can be applied to dramatic texts. Part One provides an outline of the ideas that underpin the work, which help to prepare practitioners to become responsive and receptive, and to awaken their imagination. Part Two charts a journey through the foundational psychophysical exercises that can both orient an actor's training routine and be applied directly to the development of a role. Part Three focuses on more specific and elaborate methods of scene work, characterisation and the art of transformation. Drawing on the full range of Chekhov's writing in English and French, this book also examines unpublished material from the Dartington Hall archives and features interviews with actors who have worked with the technique, including Simon Callow and Joanna Merlin. It illustrates Chekhovs approach by referring to Rushe's own productions of Nikolai Gogol's short story Diary of a Madman and Shakespeare's Othello, as well as characters and scenes in Sarah Kane's Blasted and the contemporary American television series Breaking Bad. Michael Chekhovs Acting Technique is an accessible, comprehensive and contemporary point of reference for those already trained in the method, as well as an initiation and toolkit for practitioners who are just beginning to discover it.

Reviews

A long-time practitioner of Chekhov's acting technique, Rushe (Central School of Speech and Drama, UK) has delivered a valuable, comprehensive look at many of the acting tools Chekhov pioneered at the turn of the 20th century Particularly noteworthy is Rushes creation of a careful pathway through all the material. Each exercise builds on its predecessor in a way that shows the authors attention to detail and mastery of the subject matter Though aimed at modern practitioners of acting, academics should not shy away from this guide, given its thorough research and its historical relevance. This volume will be a useful resource for those studying acting theory, theater history, or the pedagogy of acting. * CHOICE *
An extremely well researched exploration of how Chekhovs approach to acting can be best utilized Rushes very clear explanations of each tool, its use, and its relationship to other tools is very illuminating and practical. * Theatre, Dance and Performance Training *

Author Bio

Sinad Rushe is a lecturer in Acting and Movement on the BA (Hons) in Acting at Central School of Speech and Drama, London (CSSD) and teaches the Michael Chekhov Technique for acting teachers and for professional actors and directors (through Living Pictures and The Actor's Centre). She studied the Michael Chekhov technique intensively at the Michael Chekhov Studio in New York and London as well as in Paris. A director, performer and acting teacher, one of her recent works, Out of Time, was nominated for a 2010 Olivier Award and 2009 Dance Critic's Circle Award for its London run. Sinad is the co-translator into French, with Sarah Hirschmuller, of several works by English playwright Howard Barker.