Characterisation;Objectives

Characterisation; Objectives

1.Apply the Stanislavskian 'magic if' to this extract. How does it help you to build the character of Emma or Jerry?

For Stanislavsky actors must become their characters. They must think what their characters think and feel what their characters feel. One of Stanislavsky's approach is that actors should ask themselves ''How would i behave if it happened to me in real life?''. To him by using the word ''if'' actors will be able to have a deeper level of identification which can only occur when they refer the circumstances of the drama to their own lives. For actors to be able to feel as the character feels they must not only research the character's background but also apply themselves to understanding what the character intends to achieve.

Therefore with Stanislavskian 'magic if' it was easier for me to understand and play the character of Emma better. This is because i have never had an affair nor have i been married with children therefore it was only possible for me to play the role of emma by asking myself how i would behave if this really happened to me in real life. Only by asking myself this question was i able to understand Emma's motives and therefore have a better understanding of her role and background. And also only with the 'magic if' was i able to figure out how Emma would actually react to certain situations that took place in the play. For example when Emma asked Jerry ''Ever think of me?'' and Jerry replied ''I don't need to think of you'' and then Emma replied ''Oh?''. In this instance only after i asked myself the question was i able to understand how Emma would react. I would suppose that Emma expected to hear a yes but got disappointed and felt like she got slapped on the face upon hearing Jerry's reply. Certainly this is the same feeling i would have if this ever happened to me in real life.

Indeed Stanislavskian 'magic if' certainly helped me to build the character of Emma in Harold Pinter's ''Betrayal''.


2.Read up on the works of Vsevolod Meyerhold and his theory of 'biomechanics', and Stanislavski's main concepts. Which approach to acting do you find easier to adopt?

I honestly find Stanislavski's main concepts an easier approach to acting than Vsevolod Meyerhold's theory of 'biomechanics'.

Vsevolod Meyerhold's thoery of 'biomechanics' is the flexibility of the actor to convey his own creation through his body (consciously controlled) and his movements. The creativity of the actor is shown in his movements, which are, through the excitement, enriched by glare, colours and skills in order to stimulate the spectator’s imagination. The biomechanic system, according to Meyerhold, "is not a theatrical system, nor a specific kind of training; it is a part of the exercises in the area of culture." However, this training is completely integrated within Meyerhold’s theatrial system, requiring the actor to be a perfect machine using the material performed in front of the audience – his body, to the utmost limits: "The material of the actor’s art is the human body, i.e. the torso, the limbs, the head and the voice. While studying his material, the actor should not rely upon the anatomy, but upon the possibilities of his body, as a material for stage performance. " I find this approach too rigid and mechanical for me.I feel rather restricted if i were to use this approach.

However with Stanislavski's main concepts i feel a sense of freedom. Freedom of emotions and feelings. It is easier for me to adopt to Stanislavski's approach as it is an easier approach for me to relate to. I find it easier to ask myself questions and to imagine how the character would actually react to the situation. Also this approach enables me to understand the character better, for instance the character's motives. And with this approach i find it easier to attain that deeper level of identification which only occurs when actors refer the circumstances of the drama to their own lives. And indeed relating things to my own live is something i find way easier to do than to imagine my body to be a perfect machine and to express myself using my torso and my limbs. Therefore i find Stanislavski's approach an easier approach to acting.

Posted by Paveena Kumar