A Shakespearean Actor Prepares

by Adrian Brine, Michael Hugh Johnson (narrator)

Shakespeare knew more than any other playwright about the art of acting and the art of theater; practitioners affirm this. While creating superhuman characters and setting them in situations that stretch the imagination to its limits, he also provided his actors with the keys to playing them. A Shakespearean Actor Prepares reveals these keys.

There is no general consensus about how Shakespeare "should" be played: there are no rules. This book is not concerned with arriving, but with setting out. It will point out the sources of energy in his plays, which, if tapped, will galvanize an actor's fantasy and liberate his talent.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Shakespeare

Audio Cassette

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Alex Bledsoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not an actor, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it's fun to read literary criticism of Shakespeare, there's really nothing like learning the thoughts and ideas of the people who have to get out there onstage and do it. York and Brine both have plenty of experience, and when they share techniques and methods, it's never abstract; this is practical, sensible advice for making productions clear and effective. If you're into Shakespeare at any level, you'll really enjoy it.

[Jesse Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspective and a good companion for any “Shakespeare Nerd” (a loving label), but a bit terse and at times slightly tedious. If you have no experience with Shakespeare, this is a tough place to start. It’s probably more suitable for someone who has at least some basic understanding, has read at least a few of the plays, and seen enough performances (or been in a few) to understand the references and have the motivation and discipline to get though this book.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Shakespeare related courses and in conjunction with my English History studies.
Overall, I found this work of immense interest - a good work for the researcher and enthusiast also.
An interesting addition for those who have read Michael York's autobiography.
I found this work's contents inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Jeff Alan-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful addition to an actor's bookshelf. It is insightful, supremely intelligent and provides fascinating insight to Shakespeare's world.

[K.]

Should read this, looks like some good material here for prepping, need to see how accessible it is.