Michael Chekhov Technique Part 1

Summary

In this video, the basics of the Chekhov technique are introduced, focusing on the relationship between physical gestures and emotional states. The founder, Michael Chekhov, was a Russian actor and teacher who developed a method emphasizing archetypal gestures like open/close, push/pull, and lift. These gestures, when linked with emotional qualities, become psychological gestures that help actors internalize their roles. The technique also encourages the exploration of monologues and scenes through the identification of beats and corresponding gestures, all aimed at enhancing the depth and emotional impact of a performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Chekhov was a Russian actor, director, and teacher who developed a unique acting technique, combining physical and emotional states.
• 😀 Chekhov was the nephew of playwright Anton Chekhov and studied under theatre revolutionary Constantin Stanislavski.
• 😀 The Chekhov technique emphasizes the connection between physical gestures and psychological/emotional states.
• 😀 One core element of the Chekhov technique is the use of 11 archetypal gestures, such as open/close, push-pull, and embrace.
• 😀 It is important to connect your breath to each archetypal gesture, enhancing the physicality and emotional connection.
• 😀 Maintaining a sense of polarity is crucial in performing gestures, where one must experience the opposite to reach the full potential of a gesture.
• 😀 Radiating is a key concept in the Chekhov technique, referring to the act of sending out the invisible essence of a gesture's emotion or thought.
• 😀 Psychological gestures are developed by adding an emotional quality to an archetypal gesture, such as ‘coldly’ or ‘energetically’.
• 😀 Any gesture, when strong, simple, and full-bodied, can be considered a psychological gesture if it conveys an internal emotional need.
• 😀 Actors can use these gestures to explore and break down monologues and scenes, defining beats (changes in action) with specific gestures.

Q & A

Who was Michael Chekhov and what was his contribution to theatre?

Michael Chekhov was a Russian actor, director, and teacher in the 20th century. He was the nephew of playwright Anton Chekhov and a pupil of Constantin Stanislavski. He developed his own acting method that focused on the connection between physical gestures and psychological/emotional states, making a significant contribution to acting theory.

What are the 11 archetypal gestures in Chekhov's technique?

The 11 archetypal gestures in Chekhov's technique are open/close, push-pull, embrace, lifts, penetrate, ring, tear, smash, and throw. These gestures are fundamental for expressing emotional and psychological states through physical actions.

What does 'polarity' mean in Chekhov's method, and why is it important?

Polarity in Chekhov's method refers to the concept of opposing forces or energies, which are essential for creating dynamic movement in acting. It is important because it helps the actor reach the full expression of a gesture by first experiencing its opposite polarity, such as starting with a closed gesture before opening fully.

What is the significance of radiating in Chekhov's technique?

Radiating, as defined by Chekhov, is the ability to send out the invisible essence of a quality, emotion, or thought. The actor sends this out with great strength, allowing their physical actions to communicate emotional and psychological depth.

How do psychological gestures relate to Chekhov's archetypal gestures?

Psychological gestures are developed from archetypal gestures by adding emotional qualities to them. These gestures serve as physical representations of internal needs or desires, and when an actor performs them, they internalize both the physical movement and the corresponding emotion.

What makes a gesture a psychological gesture, according to Chekhov?

Any gesture can become a psychological gesture as long as it is simple, strong, and full-bodied. The key element is the addition of a quality that connects the gesture to an internal emotional need, making the gesture not just physical but emotionally resonant.

How do archetypal gestures transform into psychological gestures?

Archetypal gestures transform into psychological gestures when an emotional quality is added. For example, a simple open gesture can become a psychological gesture when infused with qualities like coldness or energy, thus linking the physical action with an emotional state.

Can psychological gestures be used in both monologues and scenes? How?

Yes, psychological gestures can be used in both monologues and scenes. By defining the beats (changes in action) of a performance, an actor can create specific gestures to explore and embody the emotional shifts that occur within these beats.

What role does breath play in performing Chekhov's archetypal gestures?

Breath is essential when performing Chekhov's archetypal gestures, as it helps connect the physical movement to the internal emotional state. The breath should flow naturally with the gesture to enhance its authenticity and emotional depth.

What is an example of how one might use a psychological gesture in a performance?

An example of a psychological gesture would be pushing energetically to express a forceful emotional state, or lifting adoringly to convey affection. The physical action directly represents the internal emotional or psychological state of the character.