Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century - by Cass Fleming & Tom Cornford (Hardcover)

Number of Pages: 224
Genre: Drama
Sub-Genre: General
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Age Range: Adult
Author: Cass Fleming & Tom Cornford
Language: English

About the Book

The culmination of an innovative practice-based research project, Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways draws on clusters of historical writings and archive materials to investigate how Chekhov's technique can be used for other areas of theatre-making practice. In contrast to the narrow, actor training-only analysis that characterized 20th-century explorations of the technique, authors Cass Fleming and Tom Cornford, along with contributions from Roanna Mitchell, Daron Oram, Caoimhe McAvinchey and Sinead Rushe, focus on a variety of disciplines. The central areas explored are: devising and catalyst direction; collaborating with playwrights; and scenographic practice, all of which are now at the forefront of international theatre practice. The book also addresses the potential use of the technique in relation to other areas of performer-training, as well as looking beyond the theatre to applied performance and therapeutic contexts. In addition to this practical analysis the authors consider the critical and theoretical issues that are raised by this practice. Chekhov's metaphors and use of language are interrogated and developed in a way that stays true to his principles and methods, but simultaneously engages with contemporary perspectives and critical frames. Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways is a thorough and fascinating investigation into new uses of the Michael Chekhov technique, providing practical strategies, principles, and techniques alongside theoretical discussion. --

Book Synopsis

The culmination of an innovative practice research project, Michael Chekhov in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways draws on historical writings and archival materials to investigate how Chekhov's technique can be used across the disciplines of contemporary performance and applied practice.
In contrast to the narrow, actor training-only analysis that dominated 20th-century explorations of the technique, authors Cass Fleming and Tom Cornford, along with contributors Caoimhe McAvinchey, Roanna Mitchell, Daron Oram and Sinéad Rushe, focus on devising, directing and collective creation, dramaturgy and collaborative playwriting, scenography, voice, movement and dance, as well as socially-engaged and therapeutic practices, all of which are at the forefront of international theatre-making.
The book collectively offers a thorough and fascinating investigation into new uses of Michael Chekhov's technique, providing practical strategies and principles alongside theoretical discussion.

Review Quotes

Chekhov's belief in collaboration and trust in ensemble challenged traditional theater-making processes and paved the way for the new pathways described in this outstanding volume. This book reaches beyond the power of the actor to transform, and extends itself to a timely exploration of the playwright, designer, director, singer, dancer, drama therapist, activist, audience and community members who utilize a psychophysical technique in ways Chekhov both dreamed of and, quite likely, never imagined. [...] It is a long overdue examination and mapping of the important creative work being done and contains within its pages the potential to inspire future artists.
Jessica Cerullo, Artistic Director, MICHA USA

About the Author

Cass Fleming is a lecturer in Theatre and Performance at Goldsmiths University of London UK and is the founder of The Chekhov Collective UK.
Tom Cornford is a senior lecturer in Theatre and Performance at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.