Michael Chekhov

Born 29 August 1891, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Chekhov is best known for his acting system. He was a Russian actor, director, theatre practitioner and author, referred to by Konstantin Stanislavski as his most brilliant pupil. Michael was a student of Stanislavski at the Moscow Arts Theatre but, when learning of his system it was all too naturalistic for Chekhov, so he went out in search of his own technique where actors could use their subconscious mind and imagination to go above and beyond all human limitations. His exercises involved physical gesture and other actives that seemed very peculiar, strange and otherwise very unnatural. see what I did there.

“Psychological Gesture.” Helps find his/her particular role.

This meant that an actor would physicalise an internal need, trait or emotion through movement. A physical gesture before internalising it. This will help subconsciously for rehearsals and for the actual performance through physical memory. One fluid movement can snap the actor into the character. It brings out your creative side and leads you to do things that may seem odd but you would have never thought to do before hand, making this technique very useful.

Symbolism 

Chekhov’s aim was to create a non-realistic performance to receive an emotional response, the complete opposite to his first teacher who inspired him massively. He wanted to push boundaries to get to that next level of understanding! What does that character’s anger symbolise throughout the whole play for example. His techniques help to find the character, makes the actor learn what the character is constantly feeling inside and out and brings a whole new story to light.

This is called the “inner life” of the character, it shows the different elements from which the character has come from. Externalising these feelings is the role of the actor and, debatably, his/her hardest and most creative segment of the work.

Speech

Chekhov didn’t just tell his actors how to speak, he would use different more powerful words in order to get different and unique responses from his students. For example instead of saying portray calm, be more tranquil. He took this very seriously when teaching and directing.

Never limit yourself, all acting techniques offer different benefits and restricting yourself only stops your active growth.

Johnny Depp and Anthony Hopkins agree with Michael Chekhov’s thinking like many actors who have used the Russian’s method of thinking to help them get to where they are now today.

Micheal Chekhov died 30 September 1955, Beverly Hills, California, United States.