ogd5XOt reviewed Method by Isaac Butler
Detailed and Highly Informative
4 stars
This book tracks the evolution of Method acting, from its origins in Russia to its decline in favor in the present day. Theater evolves along with society, so there's a lot of history in here to explain the context of how these ideas evolved over time. Lots of (frequently amusing) interpersonal drama, as well as the real-world realities of running theaters.
The book's intended audience is those in the performing arts, and as someone with little exposure to that area, I occasionally had trouble tracking the conversation. Luminaries in the field are mentioned with no introduction, and I frequently had to stop and do a little research on who was being referred to.
I think the book suffers a little by not discussing some of the competing schools of thought on acting. As someone with no relevant background, I kept asking myself, "This was an alternative to what?" It was …
This book tracks the evolution of Method acting, from its origins in Russia to its decline in favor in the present day. Theater evolves along with society, so there's a lot of history in here to explain the context of how these ideas evolved over time. Lots of (frequently amusing) interpersonal drama, as well as the real-world realities of running theaters.
The book's intended audience is those in the performing arts, and as someone with little exposure to that area, I occasionally had trouble tracking the conversation. Luminaries in the field are mentioned with no introduction, and I frequently had to stop and do a little research on who was being referred to.
I think the book suffers a little by not discussing some of the competing schools of thought on acting. As someone with no relevant background, I kept asking myself, "This was an alternative to what?" It was difficult to frame the evolution of an idea without yardsticks.
Minor reservations aside, I enjoyed the book and I learned a lot. Easy to recommend for anyone interested in the performing arts.
