Keeping It Active: A Practical Guide to Rhetoric in Performance

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion using language to communicate ideas and intentions. This clear and concise guide explains how it works in plays and how actors can use it to bring their performances to life. Drawing on her decades of experience working with actors on major productions, Jeannette Nelson introduces all the major rhetorical techniques and devices that playwrights use. Each chapter includes practical exercises to help actors explore and understand these techniques and harness their power in performance. Whether you're an actor, director, or drama teacher, Keeping It Active will empower you with a greater understanding of the ways that language underpins all dramatic works and give you the tools you need to unlock the text, understand characters, connect with the audience, and perform with greater confidence, focus, and authenticity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Every time you step onto the stage, you embark on a captivating journey of persuasion, a timeless art known as rhetoric. It encompasses the art of using language to convey your ideas and intentions to others, ensuring that your voice is heard, understood, and believed. This comprehensive guide delves into the realm of rhetoric in plays, offering valuable insights for actors seeking to bring their performances to life.

Drawing upon her extensive experience working with renowned actors on major productions, including her role as Head of Voice at the National Theatre, Jeannette Nelson unveils the intricate techniques and devices employed by playwrights. She delves into the dialogue and speeches from across the theatrical canon, spanning from the timeless works of Shakespeare and Ibsen to contemporary playwrights like Helen Edmundson and Tanika Gupta. Each chapter is accompanied by practical exercises that blend spoken word with physical action, empowering you to explore and comprehend these rhetorical techniques.

Whether you are an aspiring actor, a seasoned director, or a passionate drama teacher, Keeping It Active will empower you with a profound understanding of the fundamental role that language plays in all dramatic works. It equips you with the tools necessary to unlock the depth of the text, delve into the characters' motivations, forge a meaningful connection with the audience, and deliver performances with heightened confidence, focus, and authenticity.

As this remarkable book highlights, rhetoric permeates every aspect of our lives, transcending the realms of parliament, press conferences, and courts. It finds its presence in the workplace, the home, and the family, influencing and shaping the arguments we engage in. Jeannette's invaluable work has undoubtedly enriched the world of plays, leaving an indelible mark on the art of persuasion.

In her Foreword, Josie Rourke applauds this exceptional resource for actors, recognizing its significance in their artistic journey. By delving into the intricacies of rhetoric, Keeping It Active empowers actors to tap into their full potential, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on the stage.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 210 x 135 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848429369