This is the first English translation of Michael Chekhov's two-volume autobiography, combining "The Path of the Actor (1927) and extracts from his later volume "Life and Encounters. Full of insightful observations involving prominent characters from the MAT and the European theatre of the early twentieth century, Chekhov takes us through events in his acting career and personal life, from his childhood in St. Petersburg until his emigration to Latvia and Lithuania in the early 1930s. Accompanying Chekhov's accounts are extensive and authoritative notes, compiled by leading Russian Chekhov scholar, Andrei Kirillov. Anglo-Russian trained actor Bella Merlin provides a useful hands-on overview of how the contemporary practitioner might utilize and develop Chekhov's ideas. Chekhov was arguably one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century. His life made a huge impact on his profession, and his actor-training techniques inspired many a Hollywood legend -- including such actorsas Anthony Hopkins and Jack Nicholson -- while his books outlining his teaching methods and philosophy of acting are still bestsellers today. "The Path of the Actor is an extraordinary document which allows us unprecedented access into the life, times, mind and soul of a truly extraordinary man.

Acknowledgements List of Illustrations Introduction by Andrei Kirillov The Path of the Actor Life and Encounters Afterword by Bella Merlin Endnotes Bibliography Index