Description
Explore the rich tapestry of the English theatrical tradition with 'The English Actor', a captivating examination of stagecraft through the ages. Authored by renowned writer Peter Ackroyd, this illuminating book unfolds over thirty engrossing chapters, presenting a profound exploration of the evolution of acting from its medieval roots in Church Mystery Plays to the dynamic performances seen in modern film and television. Celebrate the timeless tales of celebrated actors, as Ackroyd brings to life their invaluable contributions to the craft and performance art.
This meticulously crafted historical analysis not only showcases the artistry and dedication of English actors but also delves into the audiences’ historic responses to their performances. A deep appreciation for the text, respect for literature, and a commitment to storytelling can be found throughout Ackroyd's narrative. Readers will gain insights into how 'the magic of the stage' has captivated audiences for over a millennium.
Ideal for theater enthusiasts and aspiring actors alike, 'The English Actor' is an essential addition to your library. With an ISBN of 9781789146998, this brand-new 2023 release from Reaktion Books is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone curious about the legacy of English theatre. Don’t miss the chance to dive into a world where legendary performances and rich traditions come alive.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781789146998
Year: 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Description:
The English Actor charts the uniquely English approach to stagecraft. In thirty chapters, Peter Ackroyd describes, with superb narrative skill, the genesis of acting — deriving from the Church tradition of Mystery Plays — through the flourishing of the craft in the Renaissance to modern methods that followed the advent of film and television. The biographies of the most notable and celebrated actors are also explored, right up to the present day. In this book, Ackroyd gives us an original and superbly entertaining appraisal of how actors have acted — and how audiences have responded — since the medieval period, and what we mean by the 'magic of the stage'.
'What separates English actors from their rivals? Ackroyd’s starstruck history celebrates a thousand years of strutting thesps. In this admiring tome, the English actor, incarnated by [Laurence] Olivier, was and remains a breed apart. He belongs to 'a tradition that has lasted more than a thousand years'; and, by fairly strong implication, he is quite superior to his cousins abroad. Across twenty-six chapters [Ackroyd] gives a running history of English theater from the medieval mysteries to the present day.' – Daily Telegraph
'Sir Ralph Richardson pursued a desire to 'illustrate literature.' This, the eminent writer and historian Ackroyd says, is the essence of the English actor. A respect for the text, a devotion to words on the page. Ackroyd begins his history in medieval times. . . . This is when Ackroyd’s book works best, documenting the birth of acting, its evolution from the church tradition of mystery plays to what we would recogni
This meticulously crafted historical analysis not only showcases the artistry and dedication of English actors but also delves into the audiences’ historic responses to their performances. A deep appreciation for the text, respect for literature, and a commitment to storytelling can be found throughout Ackroyd's narrative. Readers will gain insights into how 'the magic of the stage' has captivated audiences for over a millennium.
Ideal for theater enthusiasts and aspiring actors alike, 'The English Actor' is an essential addition to your library. With an ISBN of 9781789146998, this brand-new 2023 release from Reaktion Books is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone curious about the legacy of English theatre. Don’t miss the chance to dive into a world where legendary performances and rich traditions come alive.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781789146998
Year: 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Description:
The English Actor charts the uniquely English approach to stagecraft. In thirty chapters, Peter Ackroyd describes, with superb narrative skill, the genesis of acting — deriving from the Church tradition of Mystery Plays — through the flourishing of the craft in the Renaissance to modern methods that followed the advent of film and television. The biographies of the most notable and celebrated actors are also explored, right up to the present day. In this book, Ackroyd gives us an original and superbly entertaining appraisal of how actors have acted — and how audiences have responded — since the medieval period, and what we mean by the 'magic of the stage'.
'What separates English actors from their rivals? Ackroyd’s starstruck history celebrates a thousand years of strutting thesps. In this admiring tome, the English actor, incarnated by [Laurence] Olivier, was and remains a breed apart. He belongs to 'a tradition that has lasted more than a thousand years'; and, by fairly strong implication, he is quite superior to his cousins abroad. Across twenty-six chapters [Ackroyd] gives a running history of English theater from the medieval mysteries to the present day.' – Daily Telegraph
'Sir Ralph Richardson pursued a desire to 'illustrate literature.' This, the eminent writer and historian Ackroyd says, is the essence of the English actor. A respect for the text, a devotion to words on the page. Ackroyd begins his history in medieval times. . . . This is when Ackroyd’s book works best, documenting the birth of acting, its evolution from the church tradition of mystery plays to what we would recogni