Main Description
A Vintage Original "The actor will do, in public, what is considered impossible." When the renowned Polish director Jerzy Grotowski began his 1967 American workshop with these words, his students were stunned. But within four weeks they themselves had experienced the "impossible." In An Acrobat of the Heart, teacher-director-playwright Stephen Wangh reveals how Jerzy Grotowski's physical exercises can open a pathway to the actor's inner creativity. Drawing on Grotowski's insights and on the work of Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and others, Wangh bridges the gap between rigorous physical training and practical scene and character technique. Wangh's students give candid descriptions of their struggles and breakthroughs, demonstrating how to transform these remarkable lessons into a personal journey of artistic growth. Courageous and compelling, An Acrobat of the Heart is an invaluable resource for actors, directors, and teachers alike.Review Quote
"Stephen Wangh is a wonderful acting teacher--. He has distilled his life's study of the actor's body in the creative act into a practical journey for the reader--. Best of all, the book is a useful guide for an actor's daily work in the studio."--Anne Bogart, director "An indispensable book for anyone studying modern theater--. Stephen Wangh is a master teacher."--Moisés Kaufman, playwrightTitle Summary
"In An Acrobat of the Heart, teacher-director-playwright Stephen Wangh reveals how Jerzy Grotowski's physical exercises can open a pathway to the actor's inner creativity. Drawing on Grotowski's insights and on the work of Stanislavski, Yoshi Oida, and others, Wangh bridges the gap between rigorous physical training and practical scene and character technique. Wangh's own students give candid descriptions of the struggles and breakthroughs they encounter, and through their examples Wangh reveals how each of us can transform these remarkable lessons into a personal journey of artistic growth. Courageous, compelling, and lucid, An Acrobat of the Heart is an invaluable resource for actors, directors, and teachers alike."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Wangh has taught acting in Europe, Boston, and New York, where he is currently Master Teacher at the experimental Theater Wing at New York University.