Respect for Acting

An important historical document but not a guide to contemporary thinking or teaching. Should be read by anyone keen to understand an important stage in theatrical pedagogy's progression from Stanislavski onwards - and Hagen was certainly a player. However as a practical guide it is very dated. The writings of Declan Donellan, David Mamet, Mike Alfreds and many others completely overshadow the approach described here. Fussy and self-absorbed when held up against more recent analysts and teachers.

You will either love her or hate her. She starts by telling us the Stanislavski didn't invent his system, he just watched talented actors prepare and wrote down what he observed. So as an obvious great actor she then repeats the sytem with her own words and a bit of name dropping along the way. It's just a bit patronising for me, and has that slight feel of somone who is clearly trying to wow you with her talent and as for saying "love yourself in the art, not the art in yourself" I think there's a bit of the latter in all actors. All in all some good things and some twaddle but that's showbiz!

This book has been with me for 20 years now ever since I first came across it during my student days at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I have used it then as it should be used, as a way to put the roots into your charector, to give him or her life and then to forget it. The mere act of going through the guidelines that this marvellous actress teaches us is enough. The rest of course is just acting and should remain mysterious! A brilliant bible for the actor!

By reading Mrs. Hagen's theories on acting skills and techniques, I felt, as an actress myself, the strenghth, courage and proudness of having encountered such usefull and helpful "tips". Her generosity has inspired many young actors to fully understand the meaning of the word "respect" towards the acting profession. It was a pleasure to read and an honour to be reviewing this essential actor's "must-have" hand book. Thumbs up, and thank the Gods of the Theater for having people like Mrs. Hagen guiding us actors not to sucumb to mediocre acting. Many actors in Brazil have read and applauded Mrs. Hagen's books.

I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Hagen in the Off-Broadway production of "Collected Stories." This gave added significance to her book and all of her insights into the art of acting. Watching her on stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience - as in the book, her presence and her every action and utterance were mesmerizing.