The Way of Acting: The Theatre Writings of Tadashi Suzuki Paperback – January 1, 1993

I have been honoured by many opportunities to converse with Tadashi Suzuki. He is a brilliant creative genius, qualities that are clearly evident in this masterful book on theatre and acting. His inimitable approach to theatrical physicality is seen in a chapter on "The Grammar of the Feet", where he explores the existential fundamentals of acting. Here too, he expands on relations of actor's movement shared by traditional No and Kabuki and contemporary Japanese theatres. Elsewhere, he explores the issue of 'in what form personal experiences can be incorporated into the structure of a group', in relation to theatre as a communal activity. There are also chapters on his theatre practice in relation to his Toga theatre, and the play-text of his adaptation of the Orestes legend Clytemnestra, a fascinating rendition from a contemporary perspective. A book for anyone seriously interested in the theatre -- not merely Japanese modern forms.

This book describes a very interesting and different type of theatre that involves movement, specifically using the feet to portray characters and a story. There are detailed descriptions on how to achieve this and even descriptions of exercises to do with actors. Suzuki also writes about his feelings regarding other theatrical design elements, such as setting and relationship with the audience.The one downfall to this is that for someone trained in realism, or say, musical theatre, the Suzuki method to theatre is difficult to embody and fully understand when using this book alone.

A great companion to any theatre student enrolled in physical theatre classes, as it seems this methodology is becoming more and more well-known in university theatre programs and conservatories. It's difficult to explain this training, but the techniques help create a real, instinctual response when on stage, and gives greater meaning to every action and every movement the actor makes.

Used for school

A lot of inspiring words.

Great perspective on acting

This book explores the wonderful techniques of Tadashi Suzuki, who often works hand in hand with Anne Bogart. The book is a spiritual and magical take on acting, concentrating on the actor's body and mind rather than his/her lines and blocking. It is a refreshing and challenging technique that is beautifully and simply explained in this book. Complete with pictures of the artist himself, the book is a wonderful way to get your feet wet in the Suzuki/Bogart technique.

Estaría bien que fuera de tapa dura