At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions [Paperback]

Thomas Richards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0415124921 | ISBN-13: 978-0415124928

`I consider this book a precious report that permits one to assimilate some of those simple and basic principles which the self-taught at times come to know, yet only after years of groping and errors. The book furnishes information regarding discoveries which the actor can understand in practice, without having to start each time from zero. Thomas Richards has worked with me systematically since 1985. Today he is my essential collaborator in the research dedicated to Art as Vehicle.' - from the Preface by Jerzy Grotowski

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is extremely concise and makes the work of Grotowski something students understand.' - Jane Hanna, Roehampton Institute, UK

'An essential text for anyone interested in the work of Polish theatre-maker and teacher Jerzy Grotowski.' - Total Theatre

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (June 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415124921
• ISBN-13: 978-0415124928
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most important book on acting to appear in years, July 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions (Paperback)

Most people in theater have heard of Grotowski, but few have any first-hand experience of his work. This book is bound to become a standard work on acting as it explains in clear and consice detail how Grotowski applied his technique to the pratical work of acting.

As a bonus, the book bridges the gap between traditional Stanislavski method and physically-based acting, by showing how Grotowski's work is in continuation of the Method, not in oppostion to it. Any serious student of theater will want to have this book on their shelf

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good food for thought - could use a little salt, December 18, 2005

By 

Johanna MacDonald "happeningfish" (Helsinki, Finland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions (Paperback)

For anyone interested in getting more information on Grotowski, this is of course a must-read, although occasionally the humility with which Richards infuses his prose borders on making it a must-slog-through. In a way, it's appealing that Richards tends to describe only his own work - only the things that he himself did, but I tend to find the descriptions fuzzy. I often felt the descriptions of exercises or actions were not concrete enough for me to imagine them; this is by no means a practical handbook.

Having said that, it is an excellent read for probably every serious actor, who will recognize in Richards' frank account their own mistakes, frustration over lack of discipline, and impatient desires to be brilliant. Definitely inspiring, occasionally repetitive or unclear.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for actors and others, January 3, 2008

By 

Rutanya Alda (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions (Paperback)

This is a fascinating book on the Grotowski method of acting work. It is very well written and a must read for anyone in the acting profession and of interest to others who are curious about the creative process.