Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The culmination of an innovative practice-based research project, Michael Chekhov Technique in the Twenty-First Century: New Pathways draws on clusters of historical writings and archive materials to investigate how Chekhov’s technique can be used for other areas of theatre-making practice. In contrast to the narrow, actor training-only analysis that dominated 20th-century explorations of the technique, authors Cass Fleming and Tom Cornford, along with contributors Caoimhe McAvinchey, Roanna Mitchell, Daron Oram and Sinéad Rushe, focus on devising, directing and collective creation, dramaturgy and collaborative playwriting, scenography, voice, movement and dance, as well as socially-engaged and therapeutic practices, all of which are at the forefront of international theatre-making. The book collectively offers a thorough and fascinating investigation into new uses of Michael Chekhov’s technique, providing practical strategies and principles alongside theoretical discussion.