The Players' Advice to Hamlet: The Rhetorical Acting Method from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment

This book explores the voice of early professional actors and challenges the orthodoxy that all serious discussion of acting began with Stanislavski, outlining a comprehensive classical system of acting that was its predecessor for three hundred years. It demonstrates that premodern acting was a branch of rhetoric that took from antiquity a vocabulary for conversations about the relationship of mind and body.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Hamlet, renowned for his intellectual nature, often found himself more inclined to engage in lectures with actors regarding their craft, rather than actively listening to their insights. This intellectual inclination aligns him with figures of the Enlightenment, such as Diderot and Lessing. This captivating book embarks on a quest to uncover the voice of early professional actors, drawing upon a diverse range of English, French, and other European sources. Its objective is to distinguish the methods employed by professionals in the realm of acting from the theories propagated by intellectual amateurs.

In his profound exploration, David Wiles challenges the prevailing notion that the study of acting began with Stanislavski. Instead, he presents a comprehensive yet fluid classical system of acting that predated Stanislavski's approach for approximately three hundred years. Wiles unveils premodern acting as a branch of rhetoric, drawing upon the rich vocabulary of antiquity to engage in conversations about the intricate relationship between the mind and body, both within and outside of the theatrical realm. He demonstrates how Roman rhetoric served as the foundation for both a resilient theatrical system and a physical art that continues to hold relevance for performers in the post-Stanislavskian era.

Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Wiles unravels the intricate tapestry of premodern acting, shedding light on its historical significance and its enduring impact on the art of performance. He explores the techniques, training methods, and performance styles employed by early professional actors, highlighting the unique contributions they made to the development of the theatrical tradition. Wiles' work not only provides a valuable historical perspective but also offers practical insights for contemporary actors seeking to deepen their understanding of the craft.

In conclusion, Hamlet's intellectual inclination and his association with Enlightenment figures set the stage for the exploration of early professional actors' voices in this captivating book. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, David Wiles challenges the conventional narrative and unveils the rich heritage of premodern acting. His work provides valuable insights for contemporary actors, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, as it sheds light on the methods, techniques, and theories that shaped the development of theatrical performance.

ISBN-13: 9781108712811