explain what Richard Boleslavsky means by his lessons

Answer 1

Richard Boleslavsky was a teacher and director of the American Laboratory Theatre in the early 20th century. He is known for his book "Acting: The First Six Lessons," in which he outlines his teachings on the craft of acting.

According to Boleslavsky, the first six lessons are the building blocks of acting and lay the foundation for a successful performer. Here is a brief explanation of what he means by each lesson:

1. Concentration: Boleslavsky emphasizes the importance of an actor's ability to focus and fully engage with their work. He encourages actors to concentrate on specific tasks, emotions, or observations and to be fully present in the given moment.

2. Memory of Emotions: Boleslavsky believes that actors should remember and draw upon their personal experiences and emotions to create truthful and authentic performances. He encourages actors to access their own emotional memories and apply them to their characters in order to create depth and believability.

3. Dramatic Action: According to Boleslavsky, actors must have a clear understanding of their character's objectives and motivations. He encourages actors to identify the driving force behind each action or line of dialogue and to make deliberate choices that serve the overall dramatic action of the play.

4. Characterization: Boleslavsky stresses the importance of creating fully-rounded and believable characters. He encourages actors to explore and understand their characters' backgrounds, relationships, psychology, and physicality in order to bring them to life on stage.

5. Observation: Boleslavsky suggests that actors should be keen observers of the world around them. He believes that by being acutely aware of human behavior, actors can accurately portray their characters' actions, reactions, and emotions.

6. Rhythm: Boleslavsky argues that every scene and performance has a specific rhythm and tempo. He teaches actors to recognize and understand the rhythm of each moment and to synchronize their performance accordingly. He believes that rhythm helps create a dynamic and engaging performance.

Overall, Boleslavsky's lessons emphasize the importance of authentic emotion, clear objectives, and a deep understanding of character in the craft of acting. He encourages actors to fully engage with their work, explore their inner selves, and connect with the world around them in order to create compelling and truthful performances.