Overview: This text is a compilation of excerpts from the autobiographies of famous actors, including Joseph Jefferson, Edwin Booth, Charlotte Cushman, Clara Morris, Sir Henry Irving, and Tommaso Salvini. It delves into their personal experiences, their views on the art of acting, and their perspectives on life, success, and the challenges of their profession.
Main Parts:
- Introduction: The editor, George Iles, highlights the importance of actors in bringing plays to life and their contributions to the dramatic art. He discusses the vital connection between playwrights and actors and the significance of theatrical knowledge for successful dramatic writing.
- Autobiographical Excerpts: Each chapter focuses on a different actor, presenting their personal stories, reflections, and insights.
- Joseph Jefferson: His journey to playing “Rip Van Winkle,” his reflections on the art of acting, the importance of preparation and inspiration, and his thoughts on playwrights and actors.
- Edwin Booth: A collection of letters to his daughter, offering advice on education, life, and the actor’s profession. It also includes his reflections on the assassination of President Lincoln and his relationship with his brother, John Wilkes Booth.
- Charlotte Cushman: Her childhood experiences as a mimic and singer, her first visits to the theatre, and her transition to acting. It also includes letters to a young actress and a young mother, offering guidance and wisdom.
- Clara Morris: Recollections of John Wilkes Booth, her experience during the assassination of President Lincoln, and her search for a leading man for Mr. Daly, where she encountered both Charles Coghlan and Henry Irving.
- Sir Henry Irving: His insights on the stage as an instructor, inspiration in acting, the importance of listening and by-play, and his own early experience in the theater.
- Henry Brodribb Irving: The calling of the actor, the need for education and discipline, the temptations of the profession, and the importance of respecting the art of acting.
- Ellen Terry: Her reflections on Henry Irving’s “Hamlet,” the significance of his portrayal, and her own personal connection to his art.
- Richard Mansfield: His philosophical views on the art of acting, his belief that all people are actors, his thoughts on the importance of imagination and self-criticism, and the need for a national theatre in America.
- Tommaso Salvini: His early experiences on the stage, his father’s influence, his methods of studying the art of acting, his views on the decline of tragedy, and his experiences in America.
- Adelaide Ristori: Her early years on the stage, her training and development as an actress, her reflections on the importance of realistic acting, and her experiences in America and England.
View on Life:
- Joseph Jefferson: Emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and dedication to achieve success in the art of acting. He values a balance of heart and head, with inspiration guided by artistic discipline.
- Edwin Booth: He acknowledges the suffering that comes with greatness and prefers a simpler life, but recognizes his calling and embraces it with a philosophical perspective.
- Charlotte Cushman: Believes in the importance of sincerity and earnest effort, both on and off the stage. She views motherhood as a high art form and recognizes the power of overcoming adversity through hard work and faith in God.
- Clara Morris: She sees a duality in every person, with a visible public persona and a hidden interior. She values kindness and compassion, even towards those who have made mistakes, and believes in the power of art to bring people together and inspire understanding.
- Sir Henry Irving: He emphasizes the importance of respect for the actor’s profession, sincerity, and discipline. He encourages actors to avoid unnecessary publicity and to focus on their work, believing that true success comes from the audience’s appreciation.
- Henry Brodribb Irving: He advises aspiring actors to respect the profession, avoid succumbing to temptations, and value their work above social popularity. He believes in the importance of continuous learning and encourages actors to embrace both failure and success with resilience.
- Ellen Terry: She recognizes the importance of dedication and passion in achieving artistic greatness, and she appreciates the transformative power of art to connect people.
- Richard Mansfield: He believes that all people are actors, playing roles in their lives, and that the art of acting is essential to understanding human nature. He emphasizes the importance of imagination, self-criticism, and discipline in the pursuit of acting.
- Tommaso Salvini: He highlights the significance of continuous study, the need to overcome personal shortcomings, and the importance of striving for excellence. He recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities of the American stage and values the artistic taste of American audiences.
- Adelaide Ristori: She believes in the importance of careful training and the value of studying human emotions and behavior. She emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to both dramatic and comedic roles, and she recognizes the power of a strong artistic vision and leadership.
Scenarios and Situations:
- The birth of “Rip Van Winkle” as a play: Jefferson’s story of how he discovered the character and his journey to creating the play.
- John Wilkes Booth’s injury during rehearsal: Clara Morris’s account of Booth’s generosity and resilience in the face of pain and inconvenience.
- The assassination of President Lincoln: Clara Morris’s perspective on the tragedy and its impact on the theatrical community.
- Henry Irving’s rise to fame: Ellen Terry’s insights into Irving’s “Hamlet” and her personal relationship with him.
- The emergence of a national theatre in America: Richard Mansfield’s vision for a unified American stage and his ideas for training and promoting actors.
Challenges:
- Overcoming early failures: Jefferson’s experience of initial failure as a star actor and his eventual triumph with “Rip Van Winkle.”
- The stigma of the actor’s profession: The actors in this text face various forms of prejudice and skepticism, and they share their struggles to overcome these barriers.
- The pressures of fame: The actors reflect on the loneliness, the demands on their time, and the need for careful self-management that come with success.
- The difficulty of mastering language: Salvini’s challenges in working with an English-speaking company while primarily performing in Italian.
Conflict:
- Internal conflict: Many of the actors struggle with their own self-doubt, ambition, and the need to reconcile their personal lives with the demands of their profession.
- Conflict with tradition: The actors challenge established theatrical conventions and seek to create new, more realistic interpretations of classic roles.
- Conflict with critics: The actors face criticism and disapproval from those who question their methods, their choices, and their artistic vision.
Plot:
- The story of “Rip Van Winkle” as a play: A retelling of the story arc, including the initial discovery of the character, the development of the play, and the final success of the production.
- The journey of a young actor: Salvini’s story of his early training, his rise to fame, and his experiences in America.
- The transformation of the actor: The text explores the process of an actor transforming into a character, the challenges they face, and the rewards they experience.
Point of View:
- First-person perspective: The text presents the experiences and thoughts of each actor directly through their own voices, giving the reader intimate access to their perspectives and interpretations.
- A shared perspective: Despite their individual experiences, the actors share a common understanding of the art of acting and the challenges of their profession. This creates a collective sense of empathy and understanding for the reader.
How it’s Written:
- Informal and conversational tone: The excerpts are written in a personal and engaging style, as if the actors are sharing their stories with a close friend.
- Descriptive language: The authors use vivid language to paint pictures of the stage, the characters, and the emotions involved in their work.
Tone:
- Reverent: The text shows a deep respect and admiration for the actors and their contributions to the dramatic arts.
- Reflective: The authors share their insights and wisdom, reflecting on their experiences and the lessons they have learned throughout their careers.
- Nostalgic: The text evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of theater, highlighting the passion, the dedication, and the artistry of these legendary actors.
Life Choices:
- Choosing the stage as a career: The actors all make conscious decisions to embrace the challenges and joys of a theatrical life, despite the difficulties and uncertainties involved.
- Balancing personal life and profession: The actors grapple with the need to prioritize their work and their artistic goals while also maintaining personal relationships and fulfilling other responsibilities.
- Responding to adversity: The actors face various forms of hardship and disappointment, and their choices in how they respond shape their lives and careers.
Lessons:
- The importance of hard work and dedication: The actors emphasize the relentless effort required to achieve success in the arts.
- The value of continuous learning: The actors acknowledge that the art of acting is a lifelong pursuit, requiring constant study, reflection, and growth.
- The importance of self-discipline and integrity: The actors highlight the ethical and moral challenges of the profession and encourage aspiring actors to maintain high standards.
- The power of imagination and empathy: The actors demonstrate the importance of connecting with characters and conveying emotions in a way that resonates with audiences.
Characters:
- Joseph Jefferson: A renowned comedian, known for his portrayal of “Rip Van Winkle.” He is characterized by his patience, his love of art, and his dedication to his craft.
- Edwin Booth: A celebrated tragedian, known for his role as “Hamlet.” He is described as sensitive, intelligent, and melancholic, with a deep love for his family and a profound understanding of human nature.
- Charlotte Cushman: A powerful and influential actress, known for her roles as Meg Merrilies and Lady Macbeth. She is characterized by her strength, her unwavering determination, and her deep faith.
- Clara Morris: An emotional actress, known for her dramatic roles, particularly in “Camille” and “The New Magdalen.” She is characterized by her sensitivity, her quick wit, and her deep empathy for others.
- Sir Henry Irving: A renowned actor and manager, known for his dramatic interpretations of Shakespearean roles, particularly “Hamlet.” He is described as an egotist, a master of his craft, and a dedicated artist who lived and breathed the theater.
- Henry Brodribb Irving: A gifted actor, inheriting his father’s passion for the theater. He is known for his thoughtful insights into the art of acting and his vision for a national theatre in America.
- Ellen Terry: A beloved actress, known for her collaborations with Henry Irving. She is characterized by her warmth, her sense of artistry, and her deep admiration for her fellow actors.
- Richard Mansfield: A versatile actor, known for his roles in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Henry V,” and “Julius Caesar.” He is characterized by his philosophical perspective, his dedication to his art, and his belief in the transformative power of acting.
- Tommaso Salvini: A renowned tragedian, known for his roles as Othello, Macbeth, and The Gladiator. He is described as a passionate and dedicated artist who was constantly striving for improvement and excellence.
- Adelaide Ristori: A prominent actress, known for her roles in “Medea,” “Myrrha,” and “Phaedra.” She is characterized by her commitment to realistic acting, her strong leadership skills, and her determination to succeed on the international stage.
Themes:
- The power of art: The text explores the transformative and unifying power of art, particularly the art of acting, in connecting people, inspiring emotions, and revealing the depths of human experience.
- The pursuit of excellence: The actors’ stories emphasize the relentless effort, the dedication, and the constant striving for excellence that are necessary to succeed in the arts.
- The challenges of the actor’s profession: The text highlights the unique difficulties, the pressures, and the sacrifices involved in pursuing a career on the stage, emphasizing the need for resilience, self-discipline, and integrity.
- The human condition: The text explores the universality of human emotions, the complexity of human relationships, and the enduring nature of the stories we tell through art.
Principles:
- The stage as a mirror to life: The actors believe in the power of the theater to reflect and illuminate the human experience.
- The importance of authenticity: The actors believe in the need to be sincere and honest in their portrayals of characters.
- The power of imagination: The actors emphasize the role of imagination in creating believable characters and engaging audiences.
Intentions of the Characters:
- The actors: The actors strive to achieve artistic excellence, to connect with their audiences, and to leave a lasting impact on the world of theater.
- The reader: The reader seeks to gain insights into the art of acting, to learn from the experiences of these legendary actors, and to appreciate the transformative power of the theater.
Unique Vocabulary:
- “Omnes”: A term used in the theater to refer to an actor who plays multiple minor roles.
- “Coup de theatre”: A theatrical device or effect used to create a dramatic moment.
- “Mise-en-scene”: The setting, costumes, and overall visual presentation of a play.
Anecdotes:
- Jefferson’s discovery of “Rip Van Winkle”: The story of how he found inspiration in a passage from Washington Irving’s “The Sketch-Book” and his determination to create a play based on the tale.
- Salvini’s meeting with Longfellow: His encounter with the renowned poet in Boston, who spoke with him in pure Tuscan.
- Ristori’s decision to play Lady Macbeth in English: Her determination to challenge herself by reciting the sleep-walking scene and eventually her aspiration to play the entire role.
Ideas:
- The universality of acting: Mansfield’s argument that all people are actors, playing roles in their lives.
- The need for a national theatre in America: Mansfield’s vision for a unified American stage that would elevate the art of acting and promote the development of American playwrights.
- The value of realism in acting: Salvini and Ristori’s emphasis on portraying emotions and behavior authentically.
Facts and Findings:
- The history of the theatrical profession: The text provides historical context for the actors’ experiences, including information about the development of the stage, the evolution of acting styles, and the influence of various theatrical traditions.
Statistics:
- None directly mentioned: Although there are no specific statistical figures cited, the text implies the significance of audience size and popularity in judging the success of a performance.
Points of View:
- First-person perspective: The text is written from the unique perspective of each actor, offering a personal and intimate account of their experiences.
- A shared perspective: Despite their individual voices, the actors share a collective perspective on the art of acting, the challenges of the profession, and the importance of artistic integrity.
Perspective:
- Inside the world of theatre: The text offers an insider’s perspective on the theater, giving the reader a glimpse into the daily lives, the creative processes, and the artistic struggles of these actors.
- Historical perspective: The text provides a valuable historical perspective on the development of acting, the evolution of theatrical conventions, and the changing tastes of audiences.
- Philosophical perspective: The actors share their philosophical insights into the nature of art, human nature, and the pursuit of excellence.