The Actor and the Space

A bold, illuminating and profoundly practical exploration of how actors can harness the space around them to transform performance.

From the author of the bestselling The Actor and the Target — a radical new way of thinking about acting, energy and presence.

About the Ebook

The Actor and the Space sees acclaimed director Declan Donnellan extend and deepen the ideas introduced in his influential book The Actor and the Target. Here, he explores one of the most vital — yet often overlooked — sources of energy and truth in performance: the space around us.

What makes performance better? How do actors create a living, breathing space for their characters? How can they draw energy from the world around them? Donnellan tackles these fundamental questions with clarity, insight and a lifetime’s experience in rehearsal rooms across the world.

Full of practical advice, psychological insight and vivid examples, the book includes line‑by‑line analysis of scenes from Macbeth to show how these ideas work in practice. The result is a revelatory guide to acting that is as useful for directors as it is for performers.

Essential reading for actors, directors and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of theatre.

Critical Praise

"A hand grenade of a book. It contains all the humility and chutzpah you need to work in the theatre."
— Cate Blanchett

"A wonderful book… supremely useful, practical, elegant and profound."
— Matthew Macfadyen

"Beautifully clear… a generous vision that unlocks the problems actors face as they try to accept another reality."
— Adrian Lester

"A whole lot of wisdom… conveyed with remarkable clarity and simplicity. Worth sharing with non‑actors for its insights into Macbeth alone."
— James Shapiro

"Describes the indescribable… essential and concise. A liberating read whether you perform or are simply curious."
— Broadway World

"Very readable… replete with ideas for creating fertile rehearsal space. Welcomed by actors, directors and theatregoers alike."
— StageTalk Magazine

"A fascinating read… engages the reader on a deeper level of understanding."
— Word Matters

"Enthusing, practical and immediately usable… collected wisdom from decades of craft."
— The Broken Spine

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A radical new approach to acting from one of the world’s leading directors.
• Practical tools for unlocking energy, presence and connection.
• Clear, insightful analysis of scenes from Macbeth.
• Perfect for actors and directors working in any style or medium.
• A Nick Hern Books essential for anyone serious about performance.

About the Author

Declan Donnellan is a world‑renowned theatre director and co‑founder of Cheek by Jowl. His work has been seen across the globe, and his first book, The Actor and the Target, has become a modern classic of actor training. His approach blends psychological insight, practical technique and a deep understanding of the actor’s craft.

Bundle Option

Get this ebook together with The Actor and the Target in the Complete Declan Donnellan Acting Toolkit Bundle.

Also Available

• The Actor and the Target — Donnellan’s bestselling guide to acting, offering a radical and practical system for performers.

Publication Details

Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Publication Date: 14 March 2024

Print Length: 240 pages

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788507530

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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