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Diane Edgecomb

Source Work for Actors

Source Work for Actors

₹899.00
₹899.00
| $27 |£21.99
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Forthcoming in July 2025

An actor delves into the electrifying world of Grotowski Laboratory Theatre through a workshop with master actor Zbigniew Cynkutis, revealing practical techniques and the profound impact of this revolutionary approach.

The legacy of Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski comes to life in this personal account of a workshop/intensive with Laboratory Theatre master actor Zbigniew Cynkutis. The volume provides a rare window into the actor-training and performance practices of one of the most influential and revolutionary theatres of the twentieth century.

Drawing from extensive notes and recordings made during Cynkutis’s last workshop in the US, Diane Edgecomb’s Source Work for Actors takes us to the heart of the workshop experience as a young actor determined to make this process her own. Cynkutis’s voice and presence are palpable throughout the book as he guides a group of actors to a deep understanding of his artistic philosophy and craft. Stimulated by a developing series of tasks, Laboratory Theatre training exercises, and by Cynkutis’s startling demonstrations, the group is challenged to bring their whole selves to the work and to reimagine what is possible in theatre.

The intensive proceeds from exercises familiar to those who have studied Grotowski to explorations of dramatic text and character, revealed here for the first time, which draw from theatre sources based on the primal energies of nature. Those who have been mystified by academic writings on the work of the Laboratory Theatre will find this personal story refreshing and accessible, filled with advice and exercises grounded in the rich conversational style of a charismatic master actor. Links to audio files of Cynkutis speaking as he leads the work lend an invaluable, immersive element to the book.

This compelling volume bears witness to the power of a deeply visceral form of theatre and illustrates why the works of Grotowski and his actors have had such a profound impact on generations of theatre artists. It is sure to stimulate students, challenge directors and inspire innovative work.

‘Diane Edgecomb has written a remarkable book. She invites the reader to join her personal odyssey through the rigors of an intensive theater workshop led by one of Jerzy Grotowski's leading actors, Zbigniew Cynkutis in 1984. Through the specific challenges, difficulties, exhaustion and personal breakthroughs that she undergoes, she allows us to both get lost with her and then to be found again. Part documentary and part memoir, the journey is both instructive and fully engaging.’—Anne Bogart, theatre and opera director

‘Diane’s compelling memoir details Cynkutis’ impeccable ability to synthesize and pass on his many years of work with Grotowski. Her confrontations with the concepts of association, rhythm, group improvisation, and work on one’s self are meaningful lessons for all of us working in the theatre. But the real revelation of the book is Diane herself. She put me back in the studio stalking those elusive moments of creativity.’—James Slowiak, co-artistic director, New World Performance Laboratory; co-author, Jerzy Grotowski (Routledge)

‘This book gets inside the rigorous work of surrender that is the essence of any artist’s work. It’s about falling in love with a practice in the very specific wonderful moment that was the blossoming of training and art that came out of the “Poor Theater”. It will be familiar, comforting and inspiring to students and teachers alike who grapple with the questions how do we become deeper, wilder, and more porous as humans and as artists.’—Deirdre O’Connell, Tony Award–winning actor

‘This is an in-depth, up-close look at the teaching process and practices of a master acting teacher. It’s a visceral, loving account of Cynkutis’ radical artistry, his deep dedication to the truth and beauty of the creative process, born in the voice, body and imagination of the actor. The book captures the “passion and purpose” of this work, and brings to life Cynkutis’ gentle, playful voice.’—Ellen W. Kaplan, professor emerita of theatre, Smith College

‘It’s fascinating that Cynkutis managed to convey so much to this group of trusted students in such a short time. This certainly places this book next to Towards a Poor Theater by Jerzy Grotowski and At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions by Thomas Richards as the most practical and useful compendium for entering the space of Grotowski’s legacy.’—Waldemar Raźniak, theatre director, actor and professor at the A.Z. National Academy of Dramatic Art, Warsaw, Poland

If you are ordering from India, your order will be shipped from Seagull Books, Calcutta. Shipping is free for orders above ₹999.

If you are ordering from the US or the UK or anywhere else in the world, your order will be shipped from the University of Chicago Press' distribution centre, Chicago.

Please note: For customers paying in currencies other than Indian rupee or US dollar, prices will be calculated according to the currency conversion rate at the time of purchase and may vary from the printed price.
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