Customer Reviews

A Challenge For The Actor

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although the synopsis found above suggests this book is entirely new, looking at it as a second edition to her first acting book, RESPECT FOR ACTING, is probably more accurate. It is still full of the tangible practice techniques an actor needs, but it has been updated with additional sections her previous book didn't include. RESPECT FOR ACTING was separated into three parts: One-The Actor; Two-The Object Exercises; and Three-The Play and the Role. In A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR there are four parts: One-The Actor; Two-The Human Techniques; Three-The Exercises; and Four-The Role. Hagen doesn't simply rehash what she wrote in her first book; she's refined her techniques and expanded them. The two of her books used in conjunction might be the only reference books an actor needs on the craft of acting. First rate writing from one of the most revered and respected actresses to ever take the stage.

My own acting teacher, who has herself been a student of Ms. Hagen's, has suggested that Ms. Hagen actually prefers that students of acting refer to this book rather than her previous one ('Respect for Acting'), because in it, not only does she expand on the ideas presented in the earlier work, but she also actually revises some of the ideas she presented in the first book.

After having read Respect for Acting, I had discovered that Ms Hagen had written another book. Immediately I went out and bought it. While I found it every bit as fascinating as the first I must say a lot of it is repeats from the first book. Even some of the wording is the same. That said, it is still a wonderful read. her ideas are more concise, her craft more honed, and her expansion well worth the cover price. I especially liked the first chapter where she discusses The Actor's World. Here she goes into a bit of history we all would be better off to know, and she tells a little more about herself. When she talks about the McCarthy hearings, and in particular her radio speecah afterwards, I was moved to tears. Her words on Edwin Booth have sparked my interest in him and the "Golden Era of the Actor." Uta has done it again. Now if only I could meet her.

I read Uta Hagen's earlier book, "Respect for Acting," years ago, and made the mistake of thinking that it wasn't really necessary to read this later book. "A Challenge for the Actor" goes light-years beyond its predecessor. It's a thorough, and incredibly specific handbook to the life's work of one of the greatest teachers of modern acting.

She starts by drawing a razor-sharp line between "formalistic" acting (relying on external technique to convey a pre-determined performance for the audience), and "realistic" acting (using imagination to make-believe that you are the character, trusting that your actions will then lead to an appropriate external form).

Uta makes no bones about which approach she subscribes to (realistic), and she then spends the rest of the book teaching you how to do just that--complete with exercises to make each principle concrete. It's all communicated with acute wisdom and intelligence, along with the experience of someone who became one of the greatest stage actors of a generation.

Nobody can learn how to act from a book alone (as she voices herself in this masterpiece), but, accompanied by experience (be it working in a classroom environment, or simply doing her exercises on your own), this book can be a trusted and valuable ally.

I order several books on acting techniques, and this one is the best yet. Stanislavsky's books are important but not as well organised or current. Sanford Meinsner's is great but not as detailed or thorough and doesn't cover as many topics/areas in learning the techniques. The lessons and exercises in this book are clear and useful. Uta is a good teacher and is so very generous to share her knowledge. You will get great results combining this book with Buddhism or wisdom from Eastern meditation techniques. They are all about being more intuitive, following the heart, responding to life moment to moment. I highly recommend it!

This book - a systematization of Stanislavsky's four cluttered books and a testimony to Aristotle's ideals seen through the lens of her fiery husband Herbert Bergdof and a complete rewriting of her notorious 'Respect for Acting - is a pinnacle of articulation.
Indisputably a masterpiece of 20th century psychology.
Moreover, dauntingly organized, sober, demanding and simple, Hagen left her legacy in both a scope and a detail of the Realism School that no other stage practitioner has rivaled - after or before.
Clear and efficient, it is the gospel from which any actor must start upon their vita nova.

This is a must-have for any theater afficionado, actor or not. Ms Hagen's engrossing history of the American theater alone is worth the price, and her very personal insights into character development are fascinating. The portion of the book devoted to the development of the acting craft is powerful, with exercises designed to develop a range of physical and emotional actions. With its themes of authenticity, concentration and hard work, this is a great handbook for both the novice and experienced actor.

All I can say is that this is simply the most wonderful, intelligent, helpful and frank book on acting. Uta Hagen was a talented performer and teacher and every actor MUST own this book.

This is a must for any serious actor. I like it better than her first book, Respect for Acting, because it expands on all of her thinking and exercises on acting. I found the exercises particularly helpful. I believe the actor can get so much from the right book, and this book offers so much. This book will definitely stay in my library for a long time.

Uta Hagen presents the foundations of acting technique in a clear, organized fashion. Hagen not only describes various tenets of acting, such as emotional recall and inner objects, but she also provides clear examples from her own work in applying these principles and exercises by which they can be acquired. "A Challenge for the Actor" is more comprehensive than Hagen's first book, "Respect for Acting," and is useful as a practical textbook or resource for an acting technique class. This text is a must-read for anyone considering acting professionally; I also strongly recommend it for the committed amateur looking to brush up on his craft.