A Dream of Passion: The Development of the Method

by Lee Strasberg

Overview

“The definitive source book on acting.”—Los Angeles Times
 
Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Hopper, Robert DeNiro, Marilyn Monroe, and Joanne Woodward—these are only a few of the many actors training in “Method” acting by the great and legendary Lee Strasberg. This revolutionary theory of acting—developed by Stanislavski and continued by Strasberg—has been a major influence on the art of acting in our time. During his last decade, Strasberg devoted himself to a work that would explain once and for all what The Method was and how it worked, as well as telling the story of its development and of the people involved with it. The result is a masterpiece of wisdom and guidance for anyone involved with the theater in any way.
 
“A must for young actors—for old ones, too, for that matter.”—Paul Newman
 
“An exploration of the creative process that will reward all who are interested in the nature of inspiration.”—Library Journal
 
“An important cultural document.”—Booklist

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780452261983
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/01/1988
Edition description:	REISSUE
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	383,564
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 7.94(h) x 0.53(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Legendary acting teacher, director, and actor Lee Strasberg co-founded the Group Theatre and was artistic director of the Actors Studio, working with James Dean, Julie Harris, Jane Fonda, and Joanne Woodward, where he was known for teaching method acting, or The Method. In 1969, he established the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. He died in 1982.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
The Beginning of My Voyage: The Search and the Discovery
Stanislavsky and the Search for His System
The American Laboratory Theatre
The Voyage Continues: I. Discoveries at the Group Theatre
The Voyage Continues: II. The Actors Studio and My Classes
The Fruits of the Voyage: Procedures for the Actor's Training
The Method and Nonrealistic Styles: Artaud, Grotowski, and Brecht
In Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

The definitive source book on acting.”—Los Angeles Times
 
“A must for young actors—for old ones, too, for that matter.”—Paul Newman
 
“An exploration of the creative process that will reward all who are interested in the nature of inspiration.”—Library Journal
 
“An important cultural document.”—Booklist

From the Publisher

In this short work, noted director Strasberg (1901-1982) tells how the teachings of Stanislavsky changed his life and describes his own discoveries and techniques in the art of acting. PW designated this as ``essential reading for actors, directors and students of theater.'' Photos. (October)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Strasberg's posthumous memoir traces the creation of his famous ``Method,'' the most influential actor-training technique ever developed. At the beginning of his career, Strasberg embarked on a search for the sources of the actor's creativity and a means of consistently attaining emotional truth on stage. His solution, inspired by the work of Stanislavsky's Moscow Arts Theatre, was transmitted to a generation of actors at the Actor's Studio of New York. Strasberg's reminiscences are an exploration of the creative process that will reward all who are interested in the nature of inspiration. Essential for theater collections. Susan Thach Dean, Chicago P.L.

Library Journal

YA In this excellent resource for un derstanding ``the method,'' Strasberg explains how he discovered and devel oped what has become of the most de finitive method of training actors. Easy to read, it is written in an autobiograph ical style with non-technical language. YAs will be entranced by Strasberg's experiences with famous actors and his sharing of his fears and successes. A must for high-school students and teachers of drama. Clinton Carbon, Episcopal High School, Bellaire

School Library Journal