ABSTRACT

"Style is a journey from tourist to native. It is living in the world of the play, not just visiting it." - from Chapter One

Anyone who has ever struggled with capes, fans, swords, doublets and crinolines should make Style for Actors 2nd Edition their constant companion. Robert Barton has completely updated his award winning handbook for the 21st century with contemporary references and up-to-date illustrations. This is the definitive guide to roles in historical drama.

The past is a foreign country, and this outstanding book is concerned with exploring it from the actor’s point of view. Specific guides range from Greek, Elizabethan, Restoration and Georgian theatre to more contemporary stylings, including Futurism, Surrealism and Postmodernism.

Barton takes great care to present the actor with the roles and genres that will most commonly confront them. His analysis moves from entire genres to specific scenes and characters. A huge resource of nearly 150 practical exercises helps a newfound understanding of style to make the leap from page to performance.

part |2 pages

PART ONE—FINDING style

chapter 2|13 pages

ANALYZING STYLE: Survival questions

chapter 3|27 pages

MASTERING STYLE: The classical actor

part |2 pages

PART TWO—ACHIEVING STYLE

part |2 pages

PART THREE—EXPLORING STYLE

chapter 8|28 pages

DISPLACED STYLE: PLAYS OUT OF THEIR TIME

chapter 9|34 pages

GENRE STYLE: The Isms

chapter 10|14 pages

PERSONAL STYLE: Creating reality