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Acts

Theater, Philosophy, and the Performing Self

Tzachi Zamir author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:The University of Michigan Press

Published:3rd Jun '14

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Acts cover

This book provides an in-depth philosophical analysis of acting and its relevance to everyday life, exploring the intricate relationship between performance and identity.

This philosophical exploration delves into the art of acting, examining the profound connections between performance and everyday life. Acts poses essential questions about the nature of acting and its impact on both actors and audiences. Why do individuals feel compelled to act, and what draws spectators to witness these performances? Through a thoughtful analysis, the book reveals how acting transcends the stage and resonates within the fabric of daily existence.

In Acts, Tzachi Zamir investigates the complexities of the acting experience, addressing elements such as the significance of the actor's voice and the ethical dilemmas that may arise during performances. The text navigates a diverse array of examples, including unconventional forms of role-playing like pornography and masochism, to uncover the underlying structures that connect various forms of performance. This approach sheds light on the intricate relationship between acting and the roles individuals play in their own lives.

Moreover, the book engages with key themes such as theatrical inspiration, the unique energy of actors, and the blurred lines between acting and pretending. By examining the embodied nature of performance and the transformative power of repetition, Acts offers a rich, interdisciplinary meditation on how acting not only reflects but also shapes our identities, bridging the gap between art and life in meaningful ways.

"As an investigation into the philosophical foundations and ethical implications of what Zamir calls 'the most popular approach to actor instruction in the English-speaking world,' Acts is sure to assume a prominent place in the literature on performance and philosophy. Without ever overlooking the ethical quandaries of the actor’s craft, Zamir gives full-bodied testament to the power of acting in revealing our fullest selves."
--- Theatre Journal

* Theatre Journal *

"The resulting book is subtle, careful, has a wealth of good examples, and is responsive and responsible to a wide range of philosophical and nonphilosophical literatures. One of the most remarkable things about the book is the breadth of concerns it addresses.That it does so carefully and responsibly—is a real achievement."
-- Philosophical Quarterly

* The Philosophical Quarterly *

"[Acts is] an agenda-setting study, and it is among the most rewarding and original works in contemporary philosophy of art."
--- The Jerusalem Philosophical Quarterly

* The Jerusalem Philosophical Quarter

ISBN: 9780472072132

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

288 pages