Sixty authentic full-color motifs drawn from highly stylized opera traditions. Symbolic representations of dragons; lions; phoenixes; mandarin ducks; cranes; peonies; lotuses; much more. Vibrant color; subtle hues; beautifully rendered illustrations. Invaluable source of authentic Chinese design and color. Descriptive captions.
#1134878 in eBooks 2012-10-03 2012-10-03File Name: B00A73KGL8
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Right on TargetBy TR650This book is different. If you are a young actor struggling with understanding playing action; sense memory; substitutions; or if none of these things are part of your process; then dont buy this book.... YET! Instead look into Uta Hagens book; Respect for Acting; or perhaps even Robert Cohens book; Acting One.This book assumes that the reader has been trained in modern acting theory; that the actor reading it has understanding of how to play and build a character; and yet still struggles (as we all do) with forms of "block". The author often uses the phrases/teachings of other acting teachers to point out that it is in fact the framing of some of these "tools" that leads to block. Not that the other theorists ideas are incorrect; but rather that each actor needs to frame his/her process differently; and that the "target" dictates more of the game than we often think. Little of this is plainly stated in the book; much of it is implied; and if the reader hasnt the breadth of experience much of the potential firepower in this text may be missed. Each time you read it you will see another layer.Its a fantastic book for any actor trying to re-evaluate; or sharpen his/her process. It is loaded with truth.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The joy of both is how freeing they are onstageBy Carolina DivaThis technique in this book is very similar to David Mamets non-technique. The joy of both is how freeing they are onstage; the text of the play becomes like the net below you and the words and your fellow actors are all together in a high-flying trapeze game. It works even if you dont have any text -- in an improv situation for instance. Its hard to describe; actually; but it makes what could be a dead process come alive every night... and can scare the hell out of everyone around you if they dont understand what is going on. A lot of actors like the old way -- hit your marks; say the word; cock the eyebrow; turn here; pause...curtain. But if you use this technique; and play for the life-or-death stakes that Donnellan and Mamet espouse; well; youll never be the same again. I highly recommend this book; it is easy to read and understand; but it deals with a highly sophisticated concept that; properly applied; will propel the actor right up off the high bar.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Simply amazing! A must read for all actors and directors.By David PartchNot only is this the best book on acting I have yet encountered -- and I have read many -- but it is an amazingly insightful and instructive take on life itself. After having studied Stanislavski at length and feeling quite intrigued and comfortable with his approach; I first was afraid that Donnellan was standing everything on its head and I was going to have to start all over again. But upon further review and more thinking I realize that Donnellan just takes things so much further and into a whole new realm -- something Strasberg thought he was doing; but wasnt. I have read and reread the book several times now and every time it gives me whole new perspectives. This is a book not only for any actor but also for any person who wants to better understand him/herself and the world around them. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Off the scale would be appropriate. This is something every actor and director should read and take to heart. Although they probably wont have a true appreciation of it without an extensive and thorough background in Stanislavski as well as the appropriate patience to explore the depth of Donnellans writing. But its certainly well worth it.