20th-Century Acting Techniques

20th-Century Acting Techniques

Stanislavski's System

• Emphasizes the actor's inner life and psychological realism
• Explores concepts such as objectives, obstacles, actions, and emotional memory to create authentic and believable performances
• Actors delve deep into character analysis and explore the motivations behind their actions

Brechtian Theatre

• Developed by Bertolt Brecht to create an intellectual distance between the audience and the characters on stage
• Focuses on creating an alienation effect, encouraging the audience to critically analyze and think instead of being emotionally absorbed
• Techniques include episodic structure, breaking the fourth wall, and employing gestus

Physical Theatre

• Emphasizes the body as the primary vehicle for performance
• Merges elements of dance, mime, acrobatics, and martial arts to create a highly physical and visual form of storytelling
• Practitioners often rely on improvised movements, dynamic physicality, and non-verbal communication to convey ideas and emotions

Meisner Technique

• Focuses on truthful and spontaneous acting
• Emphasizes the actor's ability to respond genuinely to their scene partner and the given circumstances
• Actors engage in improvisation and repetition exercises to develop a heightened sense of presence, listening, and emotional spontaneity

Viewpoints

• Explores the fundamental building blocks of performance through the investigation of time, space, shape, emotion, movement, and story
• Encourages actors to be fully present in the moment and respond instinctively, using their bodies and voices as expressive tools

Lecoq's Physical Theatre

• Places a strong emphasis on the relationship between the body and theatrical expression
• Incorporates elements of mask work, clowning, and movement improvisation to create engaging and visually striking performances
• Encourages actors to develop a heightened physical awareness, exploring different physical states, dynamics, and forms of physical expression

Suzuki Method

• Focuses on the actor's physical and vocal precision
• Draws inspiration from traditional Japanese theatre, particularly Noh and Kabuki
• Combines rigorous training exercises with deep emotional expression to develop a strong physical presence, breath control, and vocal resonance

Postmodern Performance

• Challenges traditional notions of linear storytelling and character development
• Incorporates elements of collage, improvisation, absurdity, and deconstructionist techniques
• Blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction

Theatre of the Absurd

Key Concepts

• Absurdity: The central theme of Theatre of the Absurd, exploring the idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose
• Non-Logical Dialogue: Nonsensical and illogical dialogue, highlighting the breakdown of communication and the futility of language
• Surrealism: Theatrical elements from surrealism, such as dreamlike scenarios, illogical situations, and fantastical imagery
• Alienation and Isolation: Characters are frequently portrayed as isolated and alienated from society, emphasizing the existential anguish of the human condition

Characteristics

• Repetition: Repetition of actions, words, and phrases to add to the absurdity and emphasize the monotony of existence
• Lack of Plot: Often lacks a traditional narrative structure, focusing on the exploration of existential themes and situations
• Black Humor: Dark comedy and humor to highlight the incongruity and meaninglessness of life
• Banality: Mundane and everyday activities are portrayed in a ritualistic or exaggerated manner, emphasizing the banality of existence

Notable Works

• Samuel Beckett - Waiting for Godot
• Eugene Ionesco - The Bald Soprano
• Harold Pinter - The Birthday Party
• Jean Genet - The Balcony

Method Acting

Understanding Method Acting

• Emphasizes creating realistic and believable performances by delving deep into the minds and emotions of the characters
• Requires actors to draw on their personal experiences and emotions to portray a character authentically

Character Analysis

• Analyzing the character's background, motivations, and objectives to identify similarities and differences between the actor and the character

Emotional Memory

• Utilizing personal experiences and emotions to bring depth and authenticity to the portrayal
• Creating a healthy boundary between the actor's personal life and the character's emotions to avoid overwhelming themselves

Sense Memory

• Focusing on the five senses to recreate physical sensations associated with specific memories
• Helping actors live in the moment and create a genuine emotional response

The Stanislavski System

• The foundation of method acting, emphasizing understanding the given circumstances of the character and creating a fully realized inner life
• Exploring the character's wants, obstacles, and actions to achieve their objectives

Improvisation and Emotional Preparation

• Using improvisation exercises to explore the character freely and develop a deep understanding of their emotions, objectives, and relationships
• Engaging in emotional preparation techniques, such as relaxation exercises and concentration exercises, to become more focused and connected with the character's emotions

Rehearsal Techniques

• Engaging in exercises to explore the character further, such as improvisation sessions with other actors or sensory exercises to develop a physical and emotional connection to the character