Overview
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 'etudes', 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 hand-selected 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.