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The Viewpoints Book: A Practical Guide to Viewpoints and Composition. By Anne Bogart and Tina Landau. New York: Theatre Communications Group, 2005; pp. xi + 224. $16.95 paper.
Distinguished directors Anne Bogart and Tina Landau have authored the long-awaited book on Viewpoints Training and Composition, bringing their vast knowledge and creative ideas for applying these tools to actor training, rehearsal, and new play development. This is a hands-on book for acting teachers and any theatre practitioner interested in exploring Viewpoints and Composition. It will be especially welcomed by theatre artists and teachers who have practiced Viewpoints and want to deepen their understanding.
Mary Overlie initially introduced Anne Bogart to Viewpoints in 1979 when both were teaching at NYUs Experimental Theatre Wing. Overlie created the initial Viewpoints (Space, Shape, Time, Emotion, Movement, and Story) as principles for her choreography and teaching. Bogart saw the potential for applying this vocabulary to the theatrical stage and began to incorporate Viewpoints into her teaching and directing. In 1987, Landau was introduced to Viewpoints when she and Bogart met while working at the American Repertory Theatre. Over time, six Viewpoints evolved into nine and vocal Viewpoints were introduced. Landau and Bogart have continued their explorations of Viewpoints and Composition independently, Bogart as director of the SITI Company, and Landau in her work as director, playwright and member of the Stcppenwolf Theatre Company. In this new book, the authors write collaboratively, sharing their individual experiences while providing the reader with an organized, practical,...