Improvisation Exercises Under the Direction of Konstantin Stanislavski

Recorded during a symposium on the Moscow Art Theatre held at the United Nations Plaza, the speakers discuss their experience working with Konstantin Stanislavski. According to an October 26th, 1964 article in the New York Times, the speakers visiting from the Soviet Union are:

Victor Manyukov, Theater Director and Teacher
Vladimir Prokofyev, Historian and Theoretician
Angelina Stepanova, Actress
Vasily Toporkov, Actor

"The four artists from the Moscow Art Theatre will delve into the Stanislavski system and its effect on the modern theater. Emphasis will be placed on the training of the actor as well as his education at the Moscow Art Theatre."

Speaking in Russian with the assistance of English translators, the recording begins with [Angelina Stepanova] describing her role as Elizabeth in a performance of Mary Stuart. Next, another speaker describes Stanislavski's working method and legacy. He recounts anecdotes about unexpected exercises Stanislavski tasked the actors with to achieve a more emotional and authentic performance. He speaks primarily about improvisation exercises while rehearsing Tartuffe.

The speakers are asked questions about the Moscow Art Theatre, Stanislavski and their impressions of American theater.

Translations by Tanya Derugeen and Ross Levroff.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 151735
Municipal archives id: T7011