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Acting and Being

Explorations in Embodied Performance

  • Book
  • © 2016

Overview

Authors:
  1. Elizabeth Hess

    1. Independent scholar, New York, USA

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  • Offers a unique, practice-led insight into the exploration of self through performance

  • Takes an innovative, hybrid approach to the analysis of performance, culled from Western & Eastern practices

  • Proposes a physical and philosophical manifesto for the exploration of identity in performance

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiii
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  2. Introduction

    • Elizabeth Hess
    Pages 1-11

  3. States of Being

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 13-14
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    2. Behavioral States

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 15-31

    3. Physiological States

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 33-50

    4. Psychological States

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 51-67

  4. Explorations in Embodied Performance

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 69-74
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    2. Behavioral Explorations

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 75-110

    3. Physiological Explorations

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 111-153

    4. Psychological Explorations

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 155-182

  5. The Interplay of Acting & Being

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 183-186
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    2. Character Work

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 187-194

    3. Scene Study

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 195-207

    4. Production

      • Elizabeth Hess
      Pages 209-224

  6. Back Matter

    Pages 225-239
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Keywords

About this book

In this book, educator-actor-playwright-director Elizabeth Hess offers systematic and original explorations in performance technique. This hybrid approach is a fusion of physical theater modalities culled from Western practices (Psycho-physical actions, Viewpoints) Eastern practices (Butoh, Kundalini yoga) and related performance disciplines (Mask, Puppetry). Behavioral, physiological and psychological ‘states of being’ are engaged to unlock impulses, access experience and enlarge the imagination. Through individual, partnered and collective explorations, actors uncover a character’s essence and level of consciousness, their energy center and body language, and their archetype and relationship to universal themes. Magic (to pretend, as if), Metaphor (to compare, as like) and Myth (to pattern after, as in) provide the foundation for generating transformative, empathetic and expansive artistic expression. Explorations can be adapted to character work, scene study and production, including original/devised work and established text, to illuminate singular and surprising work through collaborative creativity that is inventive, inclusive and alive.

Reviews

“Elizabeth’s process as both artist and teacher has evolved into a unique practice that reflects her physical aliveness, emotional openness and inquiring mind. She integrates existing physical theater modalities into a hybrid approach that also lends itself to multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration.” (Helen Cook, Director Emerita, New York University, USA, Tisch School of the Arts, Playwrights Horizons Theater School)

“Acting & Being is what every actor needs to navigate the unknown and “play dangerously”. It offers a clear and comprehensive guide for unlocking barriers and unleashing creative potential. Her genius lies in helping actors connect to the power of language and their physical instruments. This book will also help emerging actors find that power and tap into other ‘states of being’ that they didn’t think were possible.” (Jeff Janisheski, Head of Acting, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Australia)

“‘Elizabeth Hess’ approach invites the actor through real play to awaken and invigorate the physical life of characters. I have seen her work provide the platform for fearless performances full of grace and discovery.” (Rachel Jett, Artistic Director, National Theater Institute, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, USA)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Independent scholar, New York, USA

    Elizabeth Hess

About the author

Elizabeth Hess is an educator, actor, playwright and director who has taught acting principally at New York University, USA, Fordham University and the National Theater Institute, and internationally in master classes and workshops. She has performed extensively in New York City, regional theater, TV, indie films, and her award-winning solo works have traveled the globe.

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Acting and Being

  • Book Subtitle: Explorations in Embodied Performance

  • Authors: Elizabeth Hess

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95106-2

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London

  • eBook Packages: Literature, Cultural and Media Studies, Literature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2016

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-1-349-95729-3Published: 12 July 2018

  • eBook ISBN: 978-1-349-95106-2Published: 28 December 2016

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XIII, 239

  • Number of Illustrations: 10 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Performing Arts, Dance, Self and Identity

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