Written by a highly influential post-Stanislavskian practitioner, this book offers an accessible and contemporary interpretation of The Method, setting out techniques and exercises to train and develop actors today.
Going back to the roots of Method Acting and the work of Lee Strasberg and Stanislavski, and using Barrouk's own unique practice as a lens through which to view it, The Method here is refreshed as something nuanced, contemporary, safe and practical that will benefit all actors - even those most skeptical of it.
Through making a case for the relevance of Method Acting to our modern times and preserving its essence while updating its notions, the book covers the full range of the acting process, including character analysis questions, active analysis, actions, individual and group exploration, identifying actions, and developing/creating a scene in rehearsal. Practical exercises and activities are woven throughout the text, offering a modern framework in which to consider this practice.
The benefits of looking at Stanislavski through both a contemporary and a different cultural lens is invaluable for students and actors alike, and they will appreciate the playful, lively and provocative approach in contrast to the sacred tone of other books on the same topic.
By:
David Barrouk
Translated by:
Anna Popkin
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 244mm,
Width: 169mm,
ISBN: 9781350404038
ISBN 10: 1350404039
Pages: 328
Publication Date: 26 December 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
General/trade
,
Primary
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
0. ADVICE TO READERS I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Introduction to the introduction 2. The why and the how 3. Warnings… Wait, what? ...Yeah, that’s right, warnings! 4. Rumors 5. Wait, one question II. BRIEF ACCOUNTING OF THE HISTORY OF THE METHOD 1. The origins of the Method 2. The future of the Method III. PLAY THE GAME 1. I have a question to ask you 2. The four barriers to break IV. THE W.W.W. QUESTIONS 1. The questions Where, When and Why 2. Answering the questions 3. The detailed answers to the W.W.W. questions 4. Creating a fictional W.W.W. situation 5. The W.W.W. protocol 6. Your turn! 7. The embodiment of the W.W.W. questions V. EXPLORATION 1. To freak out or not to freak out? 2. Energization 3. Concentration 4. Listening 5. The moment to moment to moment 6. Sources 7. Imagination 8. Experience 9. Reflex sources 10. The first contact 11. The shower VI. Aaaaaaaaaand ACTION(S) 1. Physical actions 2. Psychophysical actions VII. HOW TO REHEARSE CREATE A SCENE 1. First reading, first impressions 2. Giving life to what’s in white on the page 3. Breaking down a scene 4. Active analysis & psychophysical structure 5 In continuation. Choices & execution 6. Loosen up the structure 7. Dialogue 8. Monologues 9. Breathing life into the statue 10. A word on tragedy 11. A word on contemporary roles VIII. PLAYING WITH YOUR INSTINCT 1. 50% machine, 50% animal IX. THE “GOOD” & THE “BAD” EGO X. TWO ESSENTIAL FLAWS XI. TO CONCLUDE Index
David Barrouk is a screenwriter, director and producer, as well as founder and director of The Method Acting Center in Paris. He is also an acting coach and has written a number of films, including documentaries, short and feature films. Anna Popkin was born in New York and studied at the Method Acting Center in Paris. She has acted in a number of short films and plays and currently works as an acting coach at the Method Acting Center, plus as an assistant director at the National Film School in France. She has experience as an dialect coach and is a close collaborator of David Barrouk.
