FOCUS ON STANISLAVSKI (1/2)
Theatre expert Jean Benedetti, honorary professor at Rose Bruford College, talks to Aleks Sierz about his brand new translation of Konstantin Stanislavski’s writings, and why the Russian director (1863-1938) is still relevant to actor training today.
What is absolutely clear is that he produced the only complete study of actor training – there is nobody else.
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Thoroughly enjoyed Jean Benedetti’s biography of Stanislavski and looked forward to his new translation of AN ACTOR’S WORK. Benedetti’s explanation here seems mercifully free of intellectuality and academia. If I understand Stanislavski at all, it seems to me that he became increasingly pragmatic in his working methods. To paraphrase David Magarshak’s translation of Stanislavski in his preface to STANISLAVSKI ON THE ART OF THE STAGE (Magershak’s translation of Stanislavski’ sessions with The Bolshoi Opera Studio), “…there can be no talk of a system (your system, or my system), there is only creative, organic nature, and that changes every day.” The history of Stanislavski’s work is fascinating, but he knew that this was a living art that continues to develop like life and art.
Inspiring talk. Very struck by the very late introduction of improvisation as a key, first work method for all of 6 months, on a production! That is extraordinary and demonstrates that for Stanislavski all of the work and the writings were ‘work in progress’. A prolonged exploration of the most effective methods. And a delight to hear Jean’s voice once again. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him at Brufords when he was for me, a positive, encouraging and inspirational figure.