"The more I think about acting, the shorter my definition of good acting becomes. If you ask me how I define it, my answer is: it is the kind of acting in which there is a supertask and a through-action. Bad acting is where there is neither"" - Constantin Stanislavski .
This essay will explore the dynamics of organic acting and how the development of Stanislavski's system contributes to our understanding of realism and the perfection of technique. The first question that comes to mind is: what exactly is realism? In my opinion realism is an extremely laborious process of planning and creating so that a character seems natural and effortless. A realistic character should contain ideas, genuine feelings and emotions that should be apparent in the actor's physicality on stage. The actor is not simply there to tell a story, the actor should embody the story. Organic acting is not an accurate representation of reality; it is reality being shown to the audience through a fourth wall. It is also important that this reality is presented artistically and creatively. .
Furthermore, the actor should be in complete control of his instrument, being able to manipulate each muscle or inflection seamlessly. Having a dual consciousness; staying honest to his true emotions, but also focusing on his form and physicality. By exposition of the human spirit, an inner truth is revealed. By allowing one's consciousness and subconsciousness to function in unison, a deeper sub-consciousness is accessed and by allowing one's true emotions to take control of one's instrument. It is when instinct and inspiration takes over and conscious creativity blooms. .
The essence of organic acting lies in the perfection of Stanislavski's, "Method of Physical Action," as well as a clear understanding and application of "the system." Using his Method, one must be able to recreate human behaviour so accurately that it affects one's emotions.
Constantin Sergeyevich Stanislavski was the founder of the first acting "System." ... The result was the Stanislavski System, also known as "the method." In his system the actor's main responsibility was to be believed. ... Stanislavski called this effect "psychological realism." Ironically, Stanislavski eventually believed that these emotional memory techniques could be psychologically damaging. ...
One man, Constantin Stanislavski, was Russian. ... For many years, the Moscow Art Theatre (MAT) had used a system of acting that tried to eliminate the formal, static, and presentational performances given on the traditional stage. In 1936, Constantin Stanislavski wrote the first of three books explaining the system the actors at the MAT used. ... Because Boleslavsky, who particularly favoured the emotional work, left Stanislavski at the height of Stanislavski's interest in emotional psychology, Strasberg was presented with a prejudiced, slightly inaccurate view of Stanislavski's ...
In order to achieve this believability on stage Russian actor and director Constantin Stanislavski created a system now commonly known as the Stanislavski System that focused on achieving four main aims. 1. ... THE METHOD The Method developed by Lee Strasberg and was highly influenced by Stanislavski's theories. ... In order to free the body of superfluous muscular tension Stanislavski insisted each of his actors to develop his own relaxation technique. ... Another difference is that in recalling an emotion Stanislavski relied on the actors" ability to remember an event in his past ...
Chekhov's plays were perfect for Stanislavski's (1938) method, being plays that insisted on a system of producing actors capable of discovering the inner life of the man they portray [FW,J74]. So with the help of Stanislavski's teachings, his students took the naturalism of Zola consciously into the realm of psychology, which in turn informed and determined the realm of new and improved action on the stage (Demastes, 1998, pg. 22). At the same time physical actions, in Stanislavski's sense of utilizing stage objects for the purpose of providing the scene with an atmosphere ...
I would use the Stanislavski System in the way that I would put my self in the shoes of the Laramie people and try to become one of the town members and just the thought of having your own people perform a hate crime on there own towns people. ...
When viewing dramatic theatre the audience is being "taken for granted" as characters are constructed to hold similar values and attitudes as the viewers therefore allowing them to be lured into emotionally identifying with the characters, following Stanislavski method style of acting. ... Dramatic theatre consists of a system of interdependent scenes, continuing and building on from one another. ...
This essay will discuss the development of theatre in the 20th century. It will be discussed in chronological order. It will trace the development of theatre from the late 19th century through realism, naturalism, symbolism, Epic theatre, Existentialism and the Theatre of the Absurd. With each new g...
