Rediscovering Stanislavsky

An interdisciplinary approach to Stanislavsky's theatre practice in sociocultural and political contexts and its legacy in the twenty-first century.

Maria Shevtsova (Author)

9781107023390, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 November 2019

442 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.56 kg

'Maria Shevtsova, an indefatigable polymath of current Western theater practice, is perhaps the world's foremost chronicler of contemporary avant- garde stage directors … Maria Shevtsova's extraordinary Rediscovering Stanislavsky has come along at the right time.' David Chambers, Theater

Konstantin Stanislavsky (1863–1938) was one of the most innovative and influential directors of modern theatre and his system and related practices continue to be studied and used by actors, directors and students. Maria Shevtsova sheds new light on the extraordinary life of Stanislavsky, uncovering and translating Russian archival sources, rehearsal transcripts, production scores and plans. This comprehensive study rediscovers little-known areas of Stanislavsky's new type of theatre and its immersion in the visual arts, dance and opera. It demonstrates the fundamental importance of his Russian Orthodoxy to the worldview that underpinned his integrated System and his goals for the six laboratory research studios that he established or mentored. Stanislavsky's massive achievements are explored in the intricate and historically intertwined political, cultural and theatre contexts of Tsarist Russia, the 1917 Revolution, the volatile 1920s, and Stalin's 1930s. Rediscovering Stanislavksy provides a completely fresh perspective on his work and legacy.

1. Context I
2. Context II
3. Actor
4. Studio
5. Director
Epilogue: legacy.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD], Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF], Theatre: individual actors & directors [ANB]