ABSTRACT
Michael Chekhov, a phenomenal actor to many who saw him, is one of the key figures in twentieth-century theatre. His ability to transform himself onstage was celebrated by some of the major directors of the century and his practical advice continues to inspire actors through his writings and through schools devoted to his work. This chapter discusses Chekhov's Childhood, first performances, his journey from imitation to creation, and his artistic freedom and form. In Spring 1912, after a successful the audition The image we get of Chekhov during his time at the Moscow Art Theatre is of an immensely talented actor who is always taking things to extremes. Throughout the years 1912—1918, things got steadily worse. It is after 1918 when Chekhov comes out most strongly against Stanislavsky’s use of personal experience and emotion, arguing that this, in effect, binds the actor to the habits of the everyday self, which was not the way to liberate the actor’s creativity.
