Acting
Power
McGraw-Hill,
1984
Cohen’s
first, most theoretical study of acting and its relationship
with life, employing relevant modern studies in psychology and
interpersonal communication. Widely read in five languages (English,
Finnish, Hungarian, Estonian, Romanian).
Published
Citations and Review Excerpt
“The
most inspiring of recent books on acting because of its willingness
to think theoretically about what one actually does while acting.
Cohen explores a complex range of topics insightfully. His comments
on style are the best available explanations.” --Kurt
Daw, Acting: Thought Into Action
“A
stimulating discussion of acting on a theoretical level, full
of striking and original insights, connecting actor training
with other areas of study, from computers to behavioral sciences."
--Robert Barton, Acting: Onstage and Off
“In
his excellent book Acting Power, Robert Cohen offers
the best practical help that I have come across for analyzing
the world of a play.
…An indispensable check list of questions
to help us analyze a new world.
--Maria Aitken, Style: Acting in
High Comedy
"As
Robert Cohen has demonstrated so brilliantly in his book Acting
Power, we spend our lives playing roles with great integrity
and sincerity; we act constantly, and we err greatly if we fail
to draw upon these experiences in creating life on the stage."
--H. Wesley Balk, Performing Power
"Robert
Cohen is one of America’s most significant theatre teachers.
His Acting Power takes away the actor’s burden and gives
him wings; mapping out his work and giving him everything from
foundation to realization. Cohen uses as his support the newest
investigations in physics, chemistry, medicine, and sports.
He finds, for the work of acting, a new kind of definition,
seeing ‘acting power’ as at the leading edge, and
also the foundation stone, of life itself, mortality itself,
that which unites actors, stage people, and the audience…
His point of view combines healthy common sense, rock-solid
logic, and love into a deep reality. This book is a great power
in the actor's hands." --Finnish Theatre
