Description
Michel Saint-Denis was one of twentieth century theatre’s most influential directors and theorists. This book combines his seminal Theatre: The Rediscovery of Style with material from Training for the Theatre, newly edited to create a work which moves seamlessly from theory to practice.
- Theatre: The Rediscovery of Style collects five of Saint Denis’ key lectures, given during his time in America, and perfectly encompasses his synergy of classical theatre and modern realism
- Training for the Theatre is a key practical resource for actors, directors and teachers alike. It covers crucial areas such as understanding a play’s context, training schedules, improvisation and dealing with stage space, as well as a section on Saint-Denis’ use of masks in actor training
Theatre: The Rediscovery of Style and Other Writings benefits from Jane Baldwin’s new biographical introduction and annotations, that put Saint-Denis into context for a contemporary audience. It brings a wealth of inspirational material both to the rehearsal space and the classroom.
Table of Contents
Prologue: Who Was Michel Saint-Denis? Part 1: The Classical Theatre 1. The Classical French Tradition: Contradictions and Contributions Part 2: Classical Theatre and Modern Realism 2. Style and Reality 3. Style and Stylization 4. Style in Acting, Directing, and Designing 5. Training for the Theatre Part 3: Acting Guidelines. Exerpts from Training for the Theatre 6. Guiding Principles: The Progression of the Training 7. The Actor’s Techniques: Physical and Vocal Expression 8. The Imaginative Background 9. Silent Acting – Improvisation
