Keywords

Perezhivanie, The Stanislavski System, Affective Memory, Imagination, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Method Acting

Abstract

This thesis explores the enduring significance of The Stanislavski System in modern American actor training, addressing why it remains essential over a century after its creation by Konstantin Stanislavski. While studying the history of how The Stanislavski System was introduced and adapted in America, I identified a fundamental divide that shaped actor training: Lee Strasberg emphasized affective memory to generate emotion, while Stella Adler advocated for imagination to connect with character. Their public dispute has had a lasting impact on American theatre pedagogy, often leaving actors caught between methodologies without a clear understanding of the System’s original intent. At the core of Stanislavski’s work is the idea of consciously arousing the subconscious, a principle that connects to his concept of perezhivanie, often translated as “experiencing.” Rather than a full immersion where the actor becomes the character, perezhivanie is a state of heightened awareness that allows for spontaneity while maintaining artistic control. In contemporary training, actors are exposed to various acting techniques, yet without a strong foundation in Stanislavski’s principles, these fragmented approaches can lead to confusion. This thesis documents my research into The Stanislavski System alongside my practical exploration of affective memory and imagination while performing Lyubov Andreyevna in The Cherry Orchard (Spring 2024). Throughout this process, I encountered moments of perezhivanie and examined how this elusive state manifests in performance. By bridging the gap between affective memory and imagination, this project aims to provide actors with a unified methodology that honors Stanislavski’s foundational work.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Wainstein, Michael

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Theatre

Identifier

DP0029349

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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