Stanislavski's three questions

let's clear things up about our characters

Russian theatre director and theorist, Konstantin Stanislavski. Stani - as Philippe liked to call him had a massive impact on acting and style.

When he arrived, theatre was theatrical, melodramatic and fantiastic.

The over the top ‘theatrical’ styles which included directly addressing the audience, gave way to a more naturalistic style. His actors performed as though there were a ‘fourth wall’ separating the actors from the audience.

It was funny challenge: Everyone’s watching you, ACT AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. Whereas the olde tymie theatre was more honest - this is all a show check us out - gave way to an attitude of revealing ‘truth’ by pretending really hard that the situation people were in were actually real.

His ‘method’ of acting greatly influenced Stella Adler and Lee Strasbourg. The Strasbourg schools in New York and LA have some notable alumni. The list is far too long put here. Some of my favourites include: Scarlett Johansesn, Jerry Orbach, Sally Field and James Baldwin. Check…