Description
Book SynopsisIn 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 Stanislavsky's 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 th
Trade ReviewSharon Marie Carnicke eloquently tells the story of Stanislavsky’s monumental later, yet lesser-known, innovations in the art of acting. She then traces the journey of his protégé 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 Don’t 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 Houseman’s 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 *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations About the Author Acknowledgements Note on Transliteration and Translation List of Abbreviations of Frequently Cited Sources Preface: To My Readers PART I: The People Behind the Legacy Chapter 1: The Mystery on Leontyevsky Lane Chapter 2: Behind Closed Doors Chapter 3: The Truth Will Out! PART II: Six Lessons in Active Analysis Lesson 1: The Dynamic Principles of Performance Lesson 2:
Scene Study through Active Analysis—Shakespeare Lesson 3: Scene Study through Active Analysis—Chekhov Lesson 4: Rehearsing a Play through Active Analysis—Johnson Lesson 5: The System in Active Analysis Lesson 6: Working With Active Analysis in the Real World Appendix: The Lie (2020), a ten minute play by Joan Eyles Johnson
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