Discuss the development of – and contrasting – approaches to Psychological Realism in actor training during the twentieth century.

Psychological Realism was used experimentally in the 19th century to make theatre more useful to society. At the time, the mainstream theatre was still tied up in Melodrama. The type of acting at this time was very much exaggerated, for example, if a character had misplaced their keys or another action that in real life might aggravate someone, an actor in a melodramatic piece would be in hysterics, screaming or crying, extremely exaggerated actions as if someone had died. . The idea of realist theatre was that theatre should represent ‘real’ life in every way possible to the minutest of details, and that “Drama was to involve the direct observation of human behaviour; therefore, there was a thrust to use contemporary settings and time periods, and it was to deal with everyday life and problems as subjects.” (Turnbull). Realist writers in theatre included Henrik Ibsen & Anton Chekhov. In general, realist theatre had a very clear narrative structure which followed a chronological order.

After a number of attempts to reform political systems, different ways of thinking help spark a revolution. In 1848, the revolutions in Europe showed a refreshing desire for an economic, social and political change. Changes were implemented as the governments were frightened. Russia was one those countries.

Science played a huge part as many people look towards it as a way of solving human problems as advances in technology were encouraged by trade and the industry. Equal rights for the working class were not easy to fight for even though unions and strikes were used. Ultimately, success came through work stoppages and violence. This gave the working class the feeling of wanting to be recognized and people asserted themselves through action. This is...

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...e nature of the actor-human being, it is easily distinguished from other methods of acting: the approach is at the same time necessarily physical and psychological. Hand in hand with the development of the actor’s whole instrument, the method facilitates the student’s acquisition of a comprehensive professional craft.

Chekhov training and practice stirs and expands the actor’s artistic imagination, reinforces the capability for intense inner action, and loosens habitual restrictions to expressive emotion. Professional application of the method satisfies the actor’s longing for transformation.

“Chekhovian” acting is evident in the totality of dramatic qualities including exceptional originality, boldness, daring, physical and emotional expressivity, radiant presence, and truthful characterization. The Chekhovian actor is the harbinger of the Theatre of the Future.