In 'Way of the Actor,' Brian Bates explores the profound connection between acting and ancient wisdom. He invites readers to discover how the art of performance can lead to deeper self-awareness and personal transformation. Through intriguing anecdotes and psychological insights, Bates reveals the actor's journey as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs. This thought-provoking book intertwines the craft of acting with spiritual growth, making it a compelling read for artists and seekers alike. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of self-discovery through the lens of performance?
By Brian Bates
Published: 2001
"To become a true actor is to embrace the depths of our own humanity, to explore the shadows and light within ourselves, and to reveal those truths through the art of performance."
For thousands of years, in traditional societies around the world, actors were seen as the guardians of intuitive wisdom, and the way of the actor was a path to knowledge and power. Brian Bates believes that this is still the case today—that actors and actresses fulfill an important function in our culture as modern-day seers and shamans. He portrays the actor as a creator of visions who transports spectators out of their habitual ways of being and leads them on a journey of self-discovery. Personal magnetism and charisma, intense body awareness, and psychic sensitivity are among the special powers that contribute to the actor's mystique. Citing the observations and experiences of more than thirty famous performers—including Meryl Streep, Marlon Brando, Glenda Jackson, Liv Ullmann, Jack Nicholson, and Shirley MacLaine—the author also draws on extensive research in science, psychology, parapsychology, and Eastern and Western mysticism to explore the significance of the dramatic art. He not only shows how the magical world of stage and screen mirrors our lives, but also reveals how actors and actresses point the way to self-transformation for everyone. For, as he writes, "the way of the actor is not an esoteric discipline divorced from everyday life. It is everyday life, heightened and lived to the full, with an awareness of powers beyond understanding."
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“To become a true actor is to embrace the depths of our own humanity, to explore the shadows and light within ourselves, and to reveal those truths through the art of performance.”
Way of the Actor
By Brian Bates
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Brian Bates is a distinguished British author and storyteller known for his innovative approach to fiction and non-fiction. He has gained recognition for his notable works such as "The Way of Wyrd" and "The Magical Arts of the Ancient Celts," which blend historical narratives with elements of mythology and spirituality. Bates' writing style is characterized by rich, immersive prose that invites readers into the depths of ancient lore and the human experience. With a background in archaeology and a keen interest in British folklore, he weaves captivating tales that resonate with both modern sensibilities and timeless wisdom.
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