ABSTRACT

A Korean Approach to Actor Training develops a vital, intercultural method of performer training, introducing Korean and more broadly East Asian discourses into contemporary training and acting practice.

This volume examines the psychophysical nature of a performer’s creative process, applying Dahnhak, a form of Korean meditation, and its central principle of ki-energy, to the processes and dramaturgies of acting. A practitioner as well as a scholar, Jeungsook Yoo draws upon her own experiences of training and performing, addressing productions including Bald Soprano (2004), Water Station (2004) and Playing ‘The Maids’ (2013–2015).

A significant contribution to contemporary acting theory, A Korean Approach to Actor Training provides a fresh outlook on performer training which will be invaluable to scholars and practitioners alike.

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

Toward gained nature in artificiality

chapter 2|19 pages

Dahnhak meditation

Recovering sensitivity toward mastery

chapter 3|29 pages

The Bald Soprano

Forming an active–passive relationship

chapter 4|31 pages

The Water Station

Moving ki in inner and outer space

chapter 5|26 pages

Playing ‘The Maids’

Tuning emotional ki

chapter 6|3 pages

Conclusion

A theory of sympathy