Includes bibliographical references (pages 190-200) and index.
Contents:
'Theatre of the future': Chekhov technique for devised theatre and catalyst direction / Cass Fleming -- Actor-dramaturgs and atmospheric dramaturgies: Chekhov technique in processes of collaborative playwriting / Tom Cornford -- The expressive voice in performance: Chekhov's techniques for voice and singing / Daron Oram -- 'The moment you are not inwardly moving and inwardly participating, you are dead': Chekhov technique in actor-movement and dance / Roanna Mitchell -- Feeling space, making space: Michael Chekhov's approach to theatre design / SineĢad Rushe -- 'If the new theatre is to have meaning, the audience too must play its part': Chekhov technique in applied, therapeutic and community contexts / Caoimhe McAvinchey.
Summary:
The culmination of an innovative practice-based research project, Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways draws on clusters of historical writings and archive materials to investigate how Chekhov's technique can be used for other areas of theatre-making practice. In contrast to the narrow, actor training-only analysis that characterized 20th-century explorations of the technique, authors Cass Fleming and Tom Cornford, along with contributions from Roanna Mitchell, Daron Oram, Caoimhe McAvinchey and Sinead Rushe, focus on a variety of disciplines. The central areas explored are: devising and catalyst direction; collaborating with playwrights; and scenographic practice, all of which are now at the forefront of international theatre practice. The book also addresses the potential use of the technique in relation to other areas of performer-training, as well as looking beyond the theatre to applied performance and therapeutic contexts. In addition to this practical analysis the authors consider the critical and theoretical issues that are raised by this practice. Chekhov's metaphors and use of language are interrogated and developed in a way that stays true to his principles and methods, but simultaneously engages with contemporary perspectives and critical frames. Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways is a thorough and fascinating investigation into new uses of the Michael Chekhov technique, providing practical strategies, principles, and techniques alongside theoretical discussion.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.