The Actor and the Target introduces actors to Declan Donnellan’s theory that actors should not look into themselves for acting solutions but should always address their actions to a target, to something outside of themselves. Targets can be real or imaginary, concrete or abstract but they must always be there and they are always in the process of changing.
Donnellan also explains the value of making sure that the stakes are high and of recognizing that there are dual or complimentary aspects to these stakes, a positive and a negative side to each one. Another interesting idea he discusses is that instead of trying to ‘be’ the character, the actor is better off seeing and hearing through the character’s eyes and ears. In other words, instead of trying to become a character you are trying to experience his or her situations and reactions.
The Actor and the Target is worth reading…but the writing style is not for everyone. For every fascinating bit of advice, the reader has to dig through a lot of dense and often confusing writing. While the information is not easily accessible and not always clear, some people will find the writing style particularly interesting, as they work hard to uncover the nuggets. I can’t help feel that I would like to work with Donnellan and hear him explain his ideas in context rather than read them in his book but since that isn’t possible…this is the next best thing. Despite my concerns about the writing, I still found the information and approach to acting very intriguing.
Donnellan provides some very interesting ways of looking at acting, but I think this is a book best suited for people with experience. Your work will help you to better understand his concepts and to get through some of the writing that might be difficult to decipher for a beginner. This is a worthwhile book particularly if you like your advice wrapped in mystery and philosophy.
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