Stanislavsky in America explores the extraordinary legacy that Constantin Stanislavskis system of actor-training has left on acting in the US.
Mel Gordon outlines the journey of Stanislavskis theories through twentieth century American history, from the early US tours of the Moscow Art Theatre to the ongoing impact of 'The System' on modern American acting.
This fascinating study by a leading theatre critic and practitioner provides hundreds of original acting exercises, used by the pivotal US figures who developed his teachings, such as Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler and Bobby Lewis. By going back to these primary sources, Gordon cuts through the myths and misapprehensions which have built up over time.
Part memoir and part practical guide, Stanislavsky in America is an essential resource for anyone wanting to understand Stanislavskis work and his relationship with American theatre.
Dedication, Acknowledgments, Contents . i-iii Preface
. 1-7
Chapter One: The Stanislavsky System .... 9-25
Chapter Two: American Lab Theatre: Richard Boleslavsky and Maria
Ouspenskaya .. 26-55
Chapter Three: The Group Theatre ..... 57-103
Chapter Four: Russian Źmigré Teachers ...... 105-145
Chapter Five: The
Actors Lab in Hollywood . 147-159
Chapter Six: Lee Strasberg and The
Actors Studio....................................................
161-189
Chapter Seven: Stella Adler ... 191-208
Chapter Eight:
Bobby Lewis ..... 209-222
Chapter Nine: Sandy Meisner ...
223-232 Appendix: Studio Programs ...... 233-234 Bibliography
.... 235-239 Index .. 241-250
Mel Gordon is professor of Dramatic Art at UC Berkeley. He is author of a dozen books and ninety articles and entries on American, French, Russian, German, Italian, and Yiddish theatre and cinema. He has also directed productions in Frankfurt, Houston, New York City, Paris, and Zurich and has taught at Lee Strasberg Institute and Michael Chekhov Studio.
