'A small jewel of a book, a knowleageable introduction to both
Stanislavski's personal development and to the content and range of his
writings' Theatre Journal'...shows the System to be a practical process - drama school students and actors will be grateful for it' Times Eductational Supplement'A carefully documented study of peak interest and value to every serious student of acting theory' Choice
The Stanislavski 'system' is still the only comprehensive method of
actor training we possess. His theories can be hard to grasp and many
academic books are impenetrable on the subject. This is a concise book
for students that presents a readable introduction to the life and work
of Stanislavski. It shows the slow growth of the 'system', from its
roots in the tradition of Russian realism, to the various phases it
went through until the final emergence of the Method of Physical Action
in the years before his death. It also provides a short account of the
writing, publication and translation of Stanislavski's books on acting.
In this edition, Jean Benedetti makes several important updates in
the light of new material and new translations becoming available.

The Art of the Actor

by Jean Benedetti

Published 17 March 2005
A single-volume survey of the history of acting, The Art of the Actor is an essential and practical guide for all students of the theatre. Professor Jean Benedetti traces the evolution of the theories of the actor's craft drawing extensively on extracts from key texts, many of which are unavailable for the student today. Beginning with the classical conceptions of acting as rhetoric and oratory, as exemplified in the writing of Aristotle, Cicero and others, it progresses to examine the art of the actor in Shakespeare's time right through to the modern day. Along the way, Benedetti considers the contribution and theories of key figures such as Diderot, Stanislavski, Meyerhold, Brecht, Artaud and Grotowski, providing a clear and concise explanation of their work illustrated by accesible summaries of their writings.Jean Benedetti's previous works include STANISLAVSKI: AN INTRODUCTION, THE MOSCOW ART THEATRE LETTERS, DEAR WRITER...DEAR ACTRESS, STANISLAVSKI AND THE ACTOR, and STANISLAVSKI: HIS LIFE AND ART.

Stanislavski

by Jean Benedetti

Published 9 September 1982

Jean Benedetti's Stanislavski is the clearest and most succinct explanation of Stanislavski's writings and ideas, especially those in the Stanislavski's acting trilogy – An Actor Prepares, Building a Character, and Creating a Role – a staple of every actor's library.

Now available in an attractive new edition, Stanislavski: An Introduction provides the perfect guide through the Master's writing.


Stanislavski and the Actor

by Jean Benedetti

Published 3 September 1998
In Stanislavski and the Actor , Stanislavski scholar and biographer Jean Bendetti has recovered materials that can stand as a final, last work by the great director and teacher. In this volume readers will find the first English text of Stanislavski s notes and practical exercises from these last sessions. This is a major rediscovered work by Stanislavski, full of new ideas and insights about his working method. To the original materials Jean Benedetti adds his own analysis of Stanislavski's approach to acting and rehearsal methods.The master's own summary of a lifetime of theatrical experience, Stanislavski and the Actor will quickly become an essential tool for actors, students, and teachers everywhere.