The Director and Directing

This book critically assesses the artistry of contemporary directors. Its discussion includes the work of Declan Donnellan, Thomas Ostermeier, Deborah Warner, Simon Stone and Krzysztof Warlikowski. Alongside the work of wider theorists (Patrice Pavis and Erika Fischer-Lichte), it uses neuroaesthetic theory (Semir Zeki) and cognitive and creative process models to offer an original means to discuss the performance event, emotion, brain structures and concepts, and the actor's body in performance. It offers first-hand observation of rehearsals led by Katie Mitchell, Ivo van Hove, Carrie Cracknell and the Steppenwolf Theatre. It also explores devising in relation to the work of Simon McBurney and contemporary groups, and scenography in relation to the work of Dmitry Krymov, Robert Wilson and Robert Lepage. The Director and Directing argues that the director creates a type of knowledge, 'reward' and 'resonant experience' (G. Gabrielle Starr) through instinctive and expert choices.

Offers a coherent discussion of both the commonalities and divergences in a range of directors' work Explores directors' relationships with the actor/performer, the audience/spectator, and with the theatrical material itself Includes first-hand testimony from a range of practitioners as well as the author's own spectatorship

Autorentext

Adam J. Ledger is Reader in Theatre and Performance, University of Birmingham, UK. He has published widely on performance practice. His previous publications include Odin Teatret: Theatre in a New Century (Palgrave Macmillan) and chapters and articles on several international directors. He is co-artistic director of The Bone Ensemble.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: the Director.- 2. The Director and Stanislavski.- 3. The Director and the Actor.- 4. 'In the Room': the Director and Rehearsal.- 5. 'Making Something from Within': the Director and Devising.- 6. Design and the Director.- 7. Conclusion(s): the Director and Choice.