A Director's Guide to Stanislavsky's Active Analysis

A Director's Guide to Stanislavsky's Active Analysis describes Active Analysis, the innovative rehearsal method Stanislavsky formulated in his final years

By uniting 'mental analysis' and 'études', Active Analysis puts an end to the problem of mind-body dualism and formalized text memorization that traditional rehearsal methods foster

The book describes Active Analysis both practically and conceptually ...

Part One guides the reader through the entire process of Active Analysis, using A Midsummer Night's Dream as a practical reference point

The inspiration here is the work of the Russian director Anatoly Efros, whose pioneering work led the way for a reawakening of theatre in post-Soviet Russia

Part Two is the first English translation of Maria Knebel's foundational article about Active Analysis

Knebel was chosen by Stanislavsky to carry his final work forward in unadulterated form for succeeding generations of directors and actors

A Director's Guide to Stanislavsky's Active Analysis provides the first detailed explanation of Active Analysis from the director's perspective, while also meeting the needs of actors who seek to enhance their creative involvement in the process of play production

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface
Introduction

PART 1: A DIRECTOR'S WORK WITH ACTIVE ANALYSIS

I. Choosing the Play

II. Director's Plan: General Challenges

III. Director's Plan: Action Analysis

IV. An Introductory Conversation with Stanislavsky about Active Analysis

V. Active Analysis in Rehearsal

VI. Further Active Analysis and Testing

VII. Conclusion: Rehearsal Realities

PART 2: ACTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PLAY AND THE ROLE by Maria Knebel

Preface

I. General Principles of Active Analysis

II. Details are Important

III. Main Advantages of Active Analysis

IV. Beyond Etudes

V. Active Analysis Compared to the Method of Physical Actions

VI. Conclusion

Bibliography

James Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University