Toward a General Theory of Acting: Cognitive Science and Performance (Cognitive Studies in Literature and Performance)

Using the cognitive sciences, Lutterbie employs dynamic systems theory as a foundation and integrates recent discoveries in neuroscience and cognitive psychology in his examination of acting theory. Toward a General Theory of Acting explores the actor's art through the lens of Dynamic Systems Theory and recent findings in the Cognitive Sciences. An analysis of different theories of acting in the West from Stanislavski to Lecoq is followed by an in depth discussion of technique, improvisation, and creating a score. In the final chapter, the focus shifts to how these three are interwoven when the actor steps in front of an audience, whether performing realist, non-realist, or postdramatic theatre. Far from using the sciences to reduce acting to a formula, Lutterbie celebrates the mystery of the creative process "Toward a General Theory of Acting explores the actors art through the lens of Dynamic Systems Theory and recent findings in the Cognitive Sciences. An analysis of different theories of acting in the West from Stanislavski to Lecoq is followed by an in depth discussion of technique, improvisation, and creating a score. In the final chapter, the focus shifts to how these three are interwoven when the actor steps in front of an audience, whether performing realist, non-realist, or postdramatic theatre. Far from using the sciences to reduce acting to a formula, Lutterbie celebrates the mystery of the creative process"-- Provided by publisher Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction....Pages 1-17 Front Matter....Pages 19-19 The Language of Acting....Pages 21-75 Theatre and Dynamic Systems Theory....Pages 77-102 The Actor’s Tools....Pages 103-128 Front Matter....Pages 129-129 Technique....Pages 131-159 Improvisation....Pages 161-179 The Actor’s Score....Pages 181-210 In Performance....Pages 211-231 Back Matter....Pages 233-269 Cover 1 Half-Title 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 8 Editors’ Preface 9 Introduction 11 Part I 28 Chapter 1 The Language of Acting 29 Chapter 2 Theatre and Dynamic Systems Theory 84 Chapter 3 The Actor’s Tools 110 Part II 136 Chapter 4 Technique 137 Chapter 5 Improvisation 166 Chapter 6 The Actor’s Score 185 Chapter 7 In Performance 215 Notes 236 Bibliography 252 Index 258