The Luminous Theories of Constantine Stanislavski and Bertolt Brecht: Parallels and Implications for the Contemporary Theatre Director

Abstract

The modern theatre unequivocally is a field of experiment; these experiments more or less have been tangential and tributary. The challenge and essential concern of directors each time has been to find the proper theatrical diet to feed and strengthen the actor's relationship with the audience. These experiments and explorations are directed towards the form for the production as well as the director's individuality. The resultant effect of this seeming imbroglio has been divergent views and prescriptions of the practice of theatre. However, some directors of this period such as Constantine Stanislavski and Bertolt Brecht have left enduring and significant legacies while others fizzled out. What are the parallels and implications of their theories to the contemporary theatre director? This, amongst other issues, will be the preoccupation of this paper.