An Actor's Work: A Student's Diary

About this book

Stanislavskis system has dominated actor-training in the West since his writings were first translated into English in the 1920s and 30s. His systematic attempt to outline a psycho-physical technique for acting single-handedly revolutionized standards of acting in the theatre. Until now readers and students have had to contend with inaccurate misleading and difficult-to-read English-language versions. Some of the mistranslations have resulted in profound distortions in the way his system has been interpreted and taught. At last Jean Benedetti has succeeded in translating Stanislavskis huge manual into a lively fascinating and accurate text in English. He has remained faithful to the authors original intentions putting the two books previously known as An Actor Prepares and Building A Character back together into one volume and in a colloquial and readable style for todays actors. The result is a major contribution to the theatre and a service to one of the great innovators of the twentieth century.