The American Evolution Acting praxis and The Cherry Orchard: the role of Stanislavsky and emotion in the rehearsal methods of Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler

Kennedy, Patrick, John (2012). The American Evolution Acting praxis and The Cherry Orchard: the role of Stanislavsky and emotion in the rehearsal methods of Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis seeks firstly to critically analyse the theoretical approaches towards emotion from the literature of Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler and then to implement and synthesise these theories and excercises into a rehearsal of acts one and two of Chekov's \(Cherry Orchard\).

The thesis tackles the contentious issue of 'emotional truth' within the performance context and asks whether the actor \(must\) feel anything in order to portray an emotion. Feedback from theatre students related to the exercises within the rehearsal context helps to underline conjecture around the efficacy of the exercises in achieving their desired goals.

Furhtermore, highlighting definitions given by both practitioners, the study refocuses criticism of the perversion of Stanislavsky in the American acting heritage.

This work provides a critical review of the issues pertinent to the diffusion of training into practice; second, by obtaining the views of student actors on the practices and exercises employed in rehearsal, a rich picture of implementable Method actor training exercises of both practitioners can emerge, allowing a meaningful comparison between theory and practice, from which an improved understanding of creative issues in student productions can be derived.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):