Phenomenology for Actors: Theatre-Making and the Question of Being

A book about acting and theatre-making that uses phenomenology to explore Being-in-the-world in everyday life. It offers exercises for workshops and rehearsal and examines themes such as objects, bodies, spaces, being with others, time, history, freedom, and authenticity. Key examples are drawn from Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, Sophocles' Antigone, and Shakespeare's Hamlet. The book makes a bold leap to understand acting as an embodied form of philosophy and how phenomenology can be a rich source of inspiration for actors, directors, designers, and the creative process of theatre-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2021
Publisher: Intellect Books

This groundbreaking book delves into the realm of acting and theatre-making through the lens of phenomenology, a profound exploration of how the world reveals itself to our conscious experiences. It offers a fresh perspective on the art of performance, guiding actors, directors, designers, and theatre enthusiasts alike toward a deeper understanding of the creative process.

In its pages, the book explores the concept of "Being-in-the-world" in our everyday lives, employing exercises and workshops to facilitate a profound exploration of our subjective experiences. Each chapter delves into a range of themes, from objects and bodies to spaces and relationships, offering valuable insights that can inspire and guide the artistic process.

Key examples from renowned plays such as Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, Sophocles' Antigone, and Shakespeare's Hamlet are used to illustrate the principles discussed in the book. Through practical tasks and exercises, readers are encouraged to explore how the theatrical event can offer unique insights into the nature of Being and existence.

By making a bold leap to understand acting as an embodied form of philosophy, the book offers a profound exploration of the human experience. It demonstrates how phenomenology can be a rich source of inspiration for actors, directors, designers, and the entire creative process of theatre-making.

This original and thought-provoking book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including second-year students and above at tertiary level, as well as postgraduates and researchers. Its engaging writing style and accessible language make it accessible to anyone with an interest in the arts and the human condition.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of acting and theatre-making. It offers a unique perspective on the art form, providing valuable insights and inspiration for actors, directors, designers, and theatre enthusiasts alike. Through its exploration of phenomenology and the theatrical event, it demonstrates how the arts can contribute to philosophical discourse and enhance our understanding of the world.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 174 x 249 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789384093
Edition number: New ed