The Influence of Les Kurbas’ Methodology on the Manner of Performance of Kharkiv School of Actors

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to prove the influence of L. Kurbas’ methodology on the actor’s manner of performing of the Kharkiv School of actors.Research methodology. The methods of analysis, synthesis, classification are the basis of this study and used for the scientific validity of the findings. The observation, as a method of cognition, makes it possible to obtain initial information about the object of research in the form of a set of empirical allegations.Results. The study revealed that the creative work of Les Kurbas, and especially his methods of actor training, influenced the formation of the Ukrainian acting experience of Kharkiv actors. As in the case of the analysis of the acting roles of the Kharkiv citizens, it is claimed that this influence on the performers’ manner of artists, in the form of so-called “laws”. In keeping with the “law of prudence”, the actors rely on the main, meaningful gestures that reflect the essence of the images they reproduce; observing the “law of fixation” makes the internal component of the image with the help of external actions. With the help of the “law of light and shadow” it is possible to build a score of the image, mixing the weak and strong features of the character, the dark and bright sides of the nature of the characters, creating the dynamics of growth. There is considerable evidence for the unequivocal influence of the “Kurbas system” on acting by artists of the Kharkiv tradition.Novelty. The issue of studying the creative work of representatives of the Kharkiv actor’s school is important for revealing the influence of the directorial methodology of Les Kurbas on the performances of the actors.The practical significance. The material of this article contains an evidentiary analysis which led to the result of the influence of the Kurbas system on the performance of the Kharkiv School of actors and the creation of a unique actor’s method, and the observance of the so-called laws formulated by the director.