Michael Chekhov

Franc Chamberlain is Professor of Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Huddersfield, UK, and the series editor for Routledge Performance Practitioners.

• List of figures Preface to the second edition AcknowledgementsI. BIOGRAPHY AND CONTEXT Childhood Chekhov at the Maly The Moscow Art Theatre Chekhov at the second MAT The Path of the Actor Exile Wandering 1928–35 The studios The Hollywood years 2. WRITINGS ON THE TECHNIQUE OF ACTING Introduction The actor's body and psychologyImagination and the incorporation of imagesImprovisation and ensembleAtmosphere and individual feelings The Psychological Gesture Character and characterisationThe higher self and creative individuality3. CHEKHOV AS DIRECTOR Choosing the focus The Possessed (1939) Twelfth Night (1940)Pickwick Some thoughts on the rehearsal process 4. PRACTICAL EXERCISES Introduction Crossing the threshold Making contact Confidence Concentration Significance The four brothers Atmosphere Actions and qualities Archetypal gestures Imagination Centres Archetypes Imaginary bodies Objectives and the Psychological Gesture Ensemble and group sculptures Rehearsal AFTERWORD: COMING UP TO DATEThe first fifty yearsThe field begins to expand (2004–2009)Towards the futureBibliography Index