This small book is surprisingly succinct and useful as a guide to acting. The exercises in the collection were originally devised by Lee Strasberg, who created his Method in response to Stanislavsky's system and developed its ideas. In America, this system became known as the Method, and it has successfully inspired many actors, including such celebrities as Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe. The Method focuses on training imagination, concentration, feelings, and emotions to recreate—not imitate—logical and truthful behavior, whether it be in theater, film, or television. The author of the book, Lola Cohen, a student of Lee Strasberg, has provided a historical overview of the Method over many years, clarifying and justifying its essence, giving a detailed description of the exercises, and supplying valuable advice. Each group of exercises includes comments from actors sharing their experiences, along with photographs of students and theater companies from around the world mastering the Method. However, the book is not only intended for actors. What can be learned from it about the work of an artist on themselves and their character is beneficial not only for actors but also for directors, educators, and playwrights, whom the author does not forget throughout the book and dedicates a separate chapter to. The book is primarily aimed at actors—both present and future. The book will undoubtedly also be useful for playwrights, directors, stagecraft teachers, which is addressed in a separate chapter. Many ideas from the book and exercises will be useful for representatives of public professions—educators, lecturers, politicians, and hosts of shows.
