Customer Reviews
ancestor worship - By: Rosie Denyer, 05 Sep 2008 
An important historical document but not a guide to contemporary thinking or teaching. Should be read by anyone keen to understand an important stagein theatrical pedagogy's progression from Stanislavski onwards - & Hagen was certainly a player. However as a practical guide it is very dated. The writings of Declan Donellan, David Mamet, Mike Alfreds & many others completely overshadow the approach described here. Fussy & self-absorbed when held up against more recent analysts & teachers.
Respect for Acting - By: J. M. Stevens, 07 May 2006 
You will either love her or hate her. She starts by telling us the Stanislavski didn't invent his system, he just watched talented actors prepare & wrote down what he observed. So as an obvious great actor she then repeats the sytem with her own words & a bit of name dropping along the way. It's just a bit patronising for me, & has that slight feel of somone who is clearly trying to wow you with her talent & as for saying "love yourselfin the art, not the artin yourself" I think there's a bit of the latterin all actors. Allin all some good things & some twaddle but that's showbiz!
a beautifully written guide to acting - By: , 05 Jul 1999 
This book has been with me for 20 years now ever since I first came across it during my student days at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I have used it then as it should be used, as a way to put the roots into your charector, to give him or her life & then to forget it. The mere act of going through the guidelines that this marvellous actress teaches us is enough. The rest of course is just acting & should remain mysterious! A brilliant bible for the actor!
Mrs. Hagen has summed up all actor's needs in a handbook. - By: , 22 Mar 1999 By reading Mrs. Hagen's theories on acting skills & techniques, I felt, as an actress myself, the strenghth, courage & proudness of having encountered such usefull & helpful "tips". Her generosity has inspired many young actors to fully understand the meaning of the word "respect" towards the acting profession. It was a pleasure to read & an honour to be reviewing this essential actor's "must-have" hand book. Thumbs up, & thank the Gods of the Theater for having people like Mrs. Hagen guiding us actors not to sucumb to mediocre acting. Many actorsin Brazil have read & applauded Mrs. Hagen's books.
Theoretical, yet practical; one of the finest - By: , 17 Jan 1999 I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Hagenin the Off-Broadway production of "Collected Stories." This gave added significance to her book & all of her insights into the art of acting. Watching her on stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience - asin the book, her presence & her every action & utterance were mesmerizing.
