Source Work for Actors (Hardback)

‘Much like Toporkov’s Stanislavski in Rehearsal, we accompany Diane as she throws herself whole-heartedly into the unknown, facing the physical and psychological challenges of a variety of acting exercises, and courageously stepping into the whirlwind of creation. Her 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; Professor Emeritus of Theatre, The University of Akron; Co-author, Jerzy Grotowski

‘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

‘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 Theatre”. 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, Actor of Stage and Film; 2022 Tony Award Winner

‘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, Professor, Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art, Warsaw, Poland; Director, Helena Modrzejewska National Stary Theatre, Kraków, Poland

‘Diane Edgecomb charts in great detail and with consummate precision what it’s like to be an actor in training with Cynkutis. Set in the context of a rural workshop where nature becomes an equal partner in the process, she deftly mixes accounts of working conversations, reflections, her diary entries as well as Cynkutis’ instructions, interventions and often revelatory thoughts about theatre practice and his time spent working with Grotowski. It is deeply personal but never awkward, and at its heart are useful and clear accounts of exercises, improvisations, and her rigorous work on Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. This book will inspire and inform in equal measure.’—Paul Allain,
Professor of Theatre and Performance, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK

‘Beautifully written, imbued with depth and sensitivity, this book is an invaluable addition to the literature on the Laboratory Theatre—full of new and unexpected insights on the craft of acting. A thrilling read—essential for the aspiring and experienced actor alike.’—Dominika Laster, Author of Grotowski’s
Bridge Made of Memory