Way of the Actor: A Path to Knowledge and Power (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Liv Ullmann, Glenda Jackson, Charlton Heston (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Shamanism and the primitive power of magnetic actors is the subject of psychologist Bates's book. Working with Royal Academy of Dramatic Art actors, he succeeded in heightening their ability to communicate personal energy. Bates demonstrates the training needed to draw from deep within their lives the concentration needed to intensify, enlarge, and focus actors' emotional tools. With a willing audience, that energy can be released in a way similar to that of primitive spiritual leaders. Extensive interviews with major actors lends the weight and persuasiveness needed to address a skeptical audience, because Bates goes well beyond actor-training here. His practice of trance-inducement and "out-of-body" travel left this reviewer doubtful, but his portrait of the work and powers of actors is authoritative and accurate. Controversial, but most important.Thomas E. Luddy, English Dept., Salem State Coll., Mass .
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

For thousands of years, in traditional societies around the world, actors were seen as the guardians of intuitive wisdom, and the way of the actor was a path to knowledge and power. Brian Bates believes that this is still the case today -- that actors and actresses fulfill an important function in our culture as modern-day seers and shamans. He portrays the actor as a creator of visions who transports spectators out of their habitual ways of being and leads them on a journey of self-discovery. Personal magnetism and charisma, intense body awareness, and psychic sensitivity are among the special powers that contribute to the actor's mystique.

Citing the observations and experiences of over thirty famous performers -- including Meryl Streep, Marlon Brando, Glenda Jackson, Liv Ullmann, Jack Nicholson, and Shirley MacLaine -- the author also draws on extensive research in science, psychology, parapsychology, and Eastern and Western mysticism to explore the significance of the dramatic art. He not only shows how the magical world of stage and screen mirrors our lives, but also reveals how actors and actresses point the way to self-transformation for everyone. For, as he writes, "the way of the actor is not an esoteric discipline divorced from everyday life. It is everyday life, heightened and lived to the full, with an awareness of powers beyond understanding."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570626642
• ISBN-13: 978-1570626647
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #748,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For actors and shamans alike, January 29, 2000

By	Melanie Votaw (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

Dr. Bates paints a fascinating picture of actors as modern day shamans, and interviewed many actors, including Sir Lawrence Olivier, in the process. This is a must read for all serious actors, and for anyone interested in shamanic practices, it will also be very interesting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perspectives on the art of acting, November 9, 2006

By	J. Ronald Galbreath "theatre buff" (Hayward, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a valuable book for all the interviews and observations made by people who have worked and are working in the theatre. Their perspectives on the meaning and significance of acting as well as insights into their methodology are challenging and enlightening. Although not a "how to" book, the applications to one's art as well as "craft" are there for those who are already immersed in the theatrical process and open to "new" perspectives or even validation of one's existing views. For those not working in the theatre but fulfilling the necessary role of audience, and thus co-creators of the theatrical moment, the author gives a valuable insight into exactly what is happening in that space of time.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Acting in white satin, November 20, 2004

By	Nabil G. Hanna (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A Rare book of acting in white satin
Acting that never reach the end.
Book that will tell you Where others try to tell you but they cannot defend...
But this book makes you feel that what you want to be , you'll be in the end...
feel acting , dream acting, taste acting & smell acting
The real passion ....
Very deep & dream,