Meditation day books are popular spiritual or inspirational guides, but none have been written quite like this one. Drawing from over 50 years of working and creating, teaching and nurturing students in theatre, the author uses quotes from plays as a basis for rumination and the exploration of life, making this particular volume part memoir, part life philosophy, and part mini theatre history vignettes. This volume is written to be read each day, with one writing for each of 366 days of a year. With a spiritual message at the heart of the work, the book will also appeal to theatre and arts lovers. The author has many years experience in teaching the Enneagram, the Arts as a transcendent adventure, and other wisdom subjects. This meditation collection is good for any spiritual seeker who brings a clear heart and an open mind to spiritual exploration. As the author says, “One of the extraordinary things about working in the theatre day in and day out is that the words of the script of the play I am creating soak through my clothing, permeate my skin, penetrate my brain, and saturate my life.” From these quotes, Sloan has created short reflections on life, arranged thematically for every day of the year. Plays, written by real people over the centuries, brim with the same sort of emotions and challenges, joys and fears that impact us today. The characters warn, rejoice, fuss, complain, doubt, advise, and cheer their fellows just as we do today. In this work, Sloan suggests that reading and watching plays can assist us as we review the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual natures of our own lives. From new beginnings in January to tying up loose ends in December, these meditations become a daily traveling partner for those who want to reflect on how art and literature influence and become a part of our lives.

No one has had a greater influence on acting as we know it than Stanislavski. His 'method' - or interpretations of it - has become the central force determining almost every performance we see on stage or screen. In My Life in Art Stanislavski recalls his theatrical career, from his early experiences in Rubinstein's Russian Musical Society to his final triumphs with Chekhov at the Moscow Art Theatre. His vivid accounts of his own most famous productions including 'The Seagul' and 'Uncle Vanya' are interspersed with anecdotes of the famous - of Kommisarjevksy, Tolstoy, Gorky, and of the Moscow visit of Isadora Duncan and Gordon Craig.

In this unique work, Henry Miller gives an utterly candid and self-revealing account of the reading he did during his formative years.

"My Life" by Richard Wagner is a captivating autobiographical work that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life and mind of one of the most influential composers in music history. In this engrossing memoir, Wagner traces his life's journey from his early years to his artistic triumphs and personal trials. Wagner's writing is both introspective and eloquent as he reflects on his musical inspirations, creative process, and the challenges he faced in realizing his operatic masterpieces. His encounters with fellow artists, intellectuals, and rulers of the time provide a fascinating historical backdrop. The memoir is not only a personal narrative but also a window into the artistic and cultural milieu of 19th-century Europe. Wagner's passion for music and his unyielding dedication to his artistic vision shine through every page. "My Life" is a testament to the power of art and the unrelenting pursuit of one's creative calling. It delves into themes of love, ambition, and the transformative impact of music on the human soul. This memoir remains a captivating read for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the profound influence of art on our lives. Discover the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of Richard Wagner in his own words, as he takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of a life dedicated to the pursuit of musical greatness. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was a German composer and conductor whose influence on Western classical music is immeasurable. Born in Leipzig, Germany, Wagner is best known for his epic operas, including "Tristan und Isolde," "Parsifal," and the monumental four-opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Wagner's music is characterized by its emotional intensity, innovative harmonic structures, and the use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. His operas often explore themes of love, destiny, and the human condition. Beyond his musical contributions, Wagner was a controversial figure due to his nationalist and anti-Semitic beliefs. Nevertheless, his impact on the world of opera and classical music remains undeniable. His works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, making him one of the most influential composers in the history of music.

This book explores the shifting identity of the female performer in India, starting from the late 19th century to the early years of independence, through the study of autobiographies and memoirs. It attempts to make visible the actress figure by entering the history of performance, guided by the voice of the female performer. The discussion on performing woman in this book spans across the performing traditions of the tawaif, actresses in public theatre, early Indian film actresses, and actresses in the Indian People’s Theatre and the Prithvi Theatre.

This book is the first study of the prolific German filmmaker, performance artist, and TV host Christoph Schlingensief (1960–2010) that identifies him as a practitioner of realism in the theater and lays out how theatrical realism can offer an aesthetic frame sturdy enough to hold together his experiments across media and genres. This volume traces Schlingensief’s developing realism through his theater work in conventional theater venues, in less conventional venues, his opera work focusing on the production of Wagner’s Parsifal at Bayreuth, and his art installations on revolving platforms called Animatographs. This book will be of great interest to scholars of theater, film, and performance art and practitioners.

This book examines the history and influence of the Group Theatre, the most significant acting company in America. Founded during the Great Depression, the Group presented the first plays of Clifford Odets, Sidney Kingsley, and William Saroyan, and launched the careers of Franchot Tone, John Garfield, Elia Kazan, Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Martin Ritt, and Luther Adler. The intense realism of their performances inspired generations of writers, actors, and directors in both theater and film. After the Group closed, its former members directed or produced the Broadway plays Brigadoon, A Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman, Camino Real, Bus Stop, The Music Man, Equus, and Yentl. In Hollywood, Group alumni produced, directed, or starred in the award-winning films On the Waterfront, East of Eden, Twelve Angry Men, Hud, Fail-Safe, 1776, Serpico, Network, Norma Rae, and The Verdict. Four of the nation's best-known acting teachers--Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Robert Lewis, and Stella Adler--came from the Group. The studios they established remain the most highly regarded acting schools in the world, with venues on four continents.

Book 1: Embark on the musical journey of a renowned composer with “My Life — Volume 1 by Richard Wagner.” Richard Wagner, one of the most influential figures in the world of opera, provides readers with insights into his life, creative process, and the cultural milieu of 19th-century Europe. This autobiography offers a firsthand account of Wagner's experiences and reflections, shedding light on the man behind the music. Book 2: Witness the harrowing narrative of a courageous abolitionist with “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass.” Frederick Douglass recounts his journey from enslavement to freedom, offering a searing indictment of the institution of slavery. This powerful narrative serves as a testament to Douglass's resilience and his commitment to justice and equality. Book 3: Experience the remarkable life story of an African man who transcended enslavement with “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African by Equiano.” Olaudah Equiano shares his extraordinary journey from captivity to freedom, traversing continents and cultures. His narrative not only exposes the brutality of the slave trade but also reflects on the importance of education and the quest for personal liberation.

One of a series discussing topics of interest in theatre studies from theoretical, methodological, philosophical and historical perspectives.