Dynamic Acting through Active Analysis: Konstantin Stanislavsky, Maria Knebel, and Their Legacy

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Description

In the 21st century, actors face radical changes in plays and performance styles, as they move from stage to screen and grapple with new technologies that present their art to ever-expanding audiences. Active Analysis offers the flexibility of mind, body, and spirit now urgently needed in acting. Dynamic Acting through Active Analysis brings to light this timely legacy, born during the worst era of Soviet repression and hidden for decades from public view. Part I unfolds like a mystery novel through letters, memoirs, and transcripts of Konstantin Stanislavskys last classes. Far from the authoritarian director of his youth, he reveals himself as a generous mentor, who empowers actors with a brand new collaborative approach to rehearsals. His assistant, Maria Knebel, first bears witness to his forward-looking ideas and then builds the bridge to new plays in new styles through her directing and influential teaching. Part II follows a 21st century company of diverse actors as they experience the joy of applying Active Analysis to their own creative and professional work.

Reviews

Sharon Marie Carnicke eloquently tells the story of Stanislavskys monumental later, yet lesser-known, innovations in the art of acting. She then traces the journey of his protg Knebel, who, almost singlehandedly, harbored and developed this work through the great restrictions of the late-Soviet world. With great compassion, Carnicke imagines what they might have undergone during what were perhaps their darkest hours, with Stanislavsky under house arrest and Knebel struggling to preserve and persevere. Carnicke then insightfully shares these innovations with her own students and thereby with the reader of this book. In our current moment as we transition to more collaborative environments, Active Analysis will prove to be a boon for rising theatre artists. * Anne Bogart, Founder and Co-Artistic Director of SITI Company, Professor of Theatre, Columbia University *
Carnicke gives Stanislavsky a humanity that does not exist in other texts, and gives her readers practical access to concepts that are often mired in academic and theoretical verbiage. Through rehearsals of Shakespeare, Chekhov, and a previously unproduced play, Carnicke presents Active Analysis as a usable methodology for any actor or director. A true gift! * Milton Justice , Academy Award and Emmy Award Winning Producer, Director, and Acting Teacher, Author and Podcaster of I Dont Need an Acting Class *
With intelligence, wit, compassion and respect for the traditions of theatre, Carnicke guides us to an understanding of Active Analysis and its continuing vitality in our ever changing world. Her book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. * Mary Joan Negro, Actor, Director, Tony Award Nominee, and Acting Teacher, Founding Member of John Housemans the Acting Company *
With consummate expertise, meticulous scholarship, and innovative actor training, Carnicke reveals in clear, practical terms how Active Analysis works and how to apply it. This book could not be more timely or relevant. * R. Andrew White, Professor of Theatre, Valparaiso University, Editor, The Routledge Companion to Stanislavsky *
Carnicke combines history, acting technique, and practical theatre advice to present a fresh approach to acting and directing in any style of theatre or film. * Michael King, Director and Associate Professor of Acting and Performance, Northern Kentucky University, USA *

Author Bio

Sharon Marie Carnicke has authored a number of books on drama and acting, including the groundbreaking Stanislavsky in Focus, Checking Out Chekhov, and the co-authored Reframing Screen Performance. Her widely produced translations include her Kennedy Center award-winning The Seagull and are published in Chekhov: 4 Plays and 3 Jokes. Her work is distinguished by her fluency in Russian and her experience as an actor and director. She is fluent in Russian, has worked as an actor and director, and has taught and directed in the US, UK, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, Finland, Russia, Italy, and Australia.