Trish Arnold: The Legacy of Her Movement Training for Actors

Trish Arnold (1918-2017) was a pioneer in the field of movement, and her work has influenced international theatre, film, and drama-school training. Lizzie Ballinger's book provides the first full exploration of Arnold's movement training for actors, focusing on the context, practice, and evolution of her work and its legacy in theatre-making today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Trish Arnold, a trailblazing figure in the realm of movement, left an indelible mark on the world of theater, film, and drama school training. Her work, alongside esteemed practitioners like Litz Pisk, Jacques Lecoq, and Rudolf Laban, has profoundly influenced international theater, cinema, and the education of aspiring actors. Until now, Arnold's unique approach to movement training has remained largely undocumented, passed down through intimate one-to-one teachings between movement practitioners. Lizzie Ballinger's groundbreaking book, "Trish Arnold: A Life in Movement," offers the first comprehensive exploration of Arnold's movement training for actors. It delves into the historical context, practical applications, and evolution of Arnold's work, while also shedding light on its enduring legacy in contemporary theater-making.

Ballinger begins by tracing Arnold's journey from a dance background to her foray into theater. She shares her own mentorship experience with Movement Director and Choreographer Jane Gibson, who was Arnold's first mentee. Through candid and insightful anecdotes, Ballinger reveals the intricacies of learning and teaching Arnold's movements.

The book is complemented by stunning illustrations that capture the essence of Arnold's movements, alongside her original notes and sketches. This visual documentation provides a clear and concise guide for actors seeking to embody the techniques and philosophies of Arnold.

In addition to its instructional value, "Trish Arnold: A Life in Movement" offers a profound reflection on the power of movement and the transformative impact it can have on an actor's craft. Arnold's approach to movement was rooted in the belief that the body is the ultimate instrument of expression. She encouraged actors to tap into their physicality, emotions, and imagination to create authentic and compelling performances.

Through her work, Arnold challenged traditional notions of acting and pushed the boundaries of what was possible on stage and screen. Her training methods have influenced generations of actors and directors, fostering a deeper understanding of the human body and its potential for storytelling.

Ballinger's book serves as a tribute to the legacy of Trish Arnold and her profound contribution to the world of movement and theater. It is a valuable resource for actors, directors, and anyone interested in exploring the expressive possibilities of the human body. As Arnold once said, "All you have is yourself, no words, no script in hand, no music to dance to, nothing to hide behind. It was just me – the pure expression of my desire." With "Trish Arnold: A Life in Movement," actors now have the opportunity to delve deeper into that desire and unlock the full potential of their physicality on stage and screen.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350264564