A method of questions? A question of method. Alongside any method proposed in this book, the whole system of theatre only makes sense if it is understood creatively, not dogmatically. You can expect to find questions, but not necessarily complete or ready-made answers. Questions should serve as the fundamental key to unlocking potential. The technique to ask questions about a role will enrich actors and directors, leading them to discover the rare, living quality of role, challenging their initial ideas and even causing one’s own Perestroika. Take a chance and you will discover an amazing world within the role, full of different puzzles and mysteries, which carry thousands of answers in themselves – sometimes we grasp them in the first few seconds, sometimes never.
For author, director and acting pedagogue, Prof. Dr. Jurij Alschitz, the independent prerogative of the actor as the protagonist of a modern, living, theatre stands in the foreground. 40 Questions of one Role promotes autonomy in the process of creation and within this book, directors and pedagogues alike will find inspiration and support for their own preparation, as well as the rehearsal and teaching process as a whole.
About the author
Director, theatre teacher and academic, Dr. Jurij Alschitz, received his first director training in Moscow under the tutelage of Prof. J. N. Malkovsky (a former pupil of Stanislavsky). After several acclaimed productions, he continued his education with a second course of training at GITIS Russian Academy for Theatre Arts, under the instruction of Prof. M. Butkevich and Prof. A. Vasiliev, where he subsequently held a teaching post.
In 1987, he took part in the foundation of the theatre ‘School of Dramatic Art – Anatoly Vasiliev’, where he established his own rehearsal and training methods. From there, Jurij Alschitz went on to further develop the methods of the famous Russian theatre tradition, creating his own unique pedagogical system, whereby training forms the central basis of educational and rehearsal techniques. In 1992, Jurij Alschitz established his own “School” by teaching and directing at various universities and drama schools throughout Europe and which led to the opening of International Theatre Centres in Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, Rome and Paris, now commonly known as The European Association of Theatre Culture. EATC has created an extensive network of ideas and a teaching ensemble with the ongoing aim to channel new theatre impulses and instigate practical research.
His books have been published in a range of languages and offer practical theatre exercises and advice for thousands of students, teachers, actors and directors.