Anatoly Semelyansky discusses the relationship between Stanislavsky and Michael Chekhov, and explores the connection between the two figures, their ideas, and the influence they had on each other and on the theater of the 20th century. [00:04:03] Chekhov's Departure from Stanislavsky & Russia Smeliansky explains the reasons behind Michael Chekhov's departure from Russia, including his inability to work within the constraints of the Soviet theater. The speaker references a letter Chekhov wrote to explain his departure, which outlined his dissatisfaction with the Soviet culture and the limitations it imposed on his work. ** ** # Stanislavsky's New Works and Chekhov's Development The speaker mentions the new collected works of Stanislavsky that were edited and published in Russia, which present a new perspective on Stanislavsky's life and work. The speaker also touches on Michael Chekhov's development of Stanislavsky's system outside of Russia and the challenges he faced in doing so, including the change in his voice when performing in different languages. ** ** Impact of Soviet Ideology on Theater The speaker reflects on the impact of Soviet ideology on the arts, particularly theater, and how it led to the censorship and suppression of certain figures and ideas. The speaker discusses the mythology surrounding theater figures like Meyerhold and the reality of their experiences under Soviet rule. ** ** Soviet Perception of Michael Chekhov The speaker describes the Soviet Union's perception of Michael Chekhov after he left the country, noting that he was considered an enemy and his work was suppressed. The speaker discusses the challenges Chekhov faced in the West, including the lack of a receptive audience and the difficulties in continuing his work without the support of his home country. ** ** Personal Views on Acting Methods The speaker shares personal views on the effectiveness of various acting methods and teaching approaches, including those of Stanislavsky and Chekhov. The speaker emphasizes that no method can guarantee becoming a great actor, as talent is a prerequisite, and methods are merely tools to develop and refine one's craft. ** ** Shared and Differing Philosophies of Acting The speaker delves into the shared disdain that both Stanislavski and Chekhov had for the routine life of actors and their pathological behaviors. The speaker also discusses their differing philosophies on acting, with Stanislavski advocating for drawing from one's self, while Chekhov emphasized the use of imagination and higher ego to avoid narrowness and repetition in acting. ** ** Sulerzhitsky's Influence on Stanislavsky and Chekhov The speaker discusses the significant influence of Sulerzhitsky on both Stanislavski and Chekhov. Sulerzhitsky is portrayed as a spiritual guide and teacher who played a crucial role in shaping their approaches to theater and acting, and whose death marked a significant loss for both figures. ** ** [01:22:34] Closing Remarks and Audience Q&A The speaker concludes the talk and shares about a visit to Chekhov’s gravesite in Los Angeles. He opens the floor for questions from the audience. The discussion continues with inquiries about the influences of Russian Orthodoxy on Stanislavsky’s work, [01:37:40] the teachings of Maria Knebel, [01:52:52] and the value of the method of physical actions in contemporary theater. ** **

Joanna speaks with MICHA's teacher training cohort about her work with Michael Chekhov and the technique. Uploaded on Mar 28, 2024 at 4:45 pm

Talk by Joanna Merlin on meeting and working with Michael Chekhov as a young actress. Filmed at the www.MichaelChekhovSchool.org in the Hudson Valley, NY - by Ragnar 2015.