An Actor's Tricks (Performance Books) - Softcover

Marshall, Lorna; Oida, Yoshi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 041377449X ISBN 13: 9780413774491

Publisher: Methuen Drama, 2007

Synopsis

A founding member of Peter Brook's international theatre company, Yoshi Oida infuses his acting and directing with the artistry of the Oriental traditions and a mastery of Western forms. In this disarmingly accessible study of the art of acting he shares his unique experience and range of expertise. An Actor's Tricks offers a meticulous scrutiny of the actor's preparation for performance and comes with a foreword by Peter Brook.

Drawing on an unrivalled wealth and range of expertise in the fields of acting, directing and training, Yoshi Oida and Lorna Marshall provide an authoritative and fascinating study of the art of the actor.

In scrutinising the process of performance from the twin perspectives of the actor and director, An Actor's Tricks is filled with hints, insights and stories from productions with Peter Brook and from around the world.

Beginning with the daily preparation to train the body, it moves to the process of rehearsal for a performance right up to the moment when the actor steps onstage. An appendix of practical exercises is included for the actor to follow.

The books combines principles and techniques from both Western and Eastern disciplines of acting to provide a masterful study essential for every actor and director.

About this title

About the Authors

Lorna Marshall has taught physical acting to performers in almost every area, from ballet dancers to classical actors and opera singers, and from performance artists to circus acts. She has worked with companies such as The Royal Shakespeare Company, Shared Experience, The Royal National Theatre, and The Consort of Musicke. She runs international workshops and is currently Honorary Research Fellow at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and Adviser on Actor Training at the New National Theatre, Tokyo.

Yoshi Oida, A Japanese speaking neither English nor French, became the first member of Peter Brook's international theatre company in Paris in 1968. Trained in the traditional Japanese arts of Noh theatre, Kabuki dance and Bunraku storytelling, since joining he has become a leading member of the company. He participated in the extraordinary explorative journey through Africa, and has played starring roles in The Ik, The Conference of the Birds, The Mahabharata and The Tempest. He was made Chevalier de l'Ordre des Art et des Lettres in 1992, and in 2007, made an officer of the same order.

Edition details

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 041377449X
• ISBN 13: 9780413774491
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112