About the Book:

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Hopper, Robert DeNiro, Marilyn Monroe, and Joanne Woodward – these are only a few of the many actors trained in Method acting – or the Method – by the great and legendary Lee Strasberg. This revolutionary theory of acting – developed by Stanislavski and continued by Strasberg – has been a major influence on the art of acting in our time. Between 1974 and his death in 1982, Lee Strasberg devoted himself explaining once and for all what the Method is and how it works, as well as telling the story of its development from Stanislavsky's writings and of the people involved with it. As edited by Evangeline Morphos from the unfinished manuscript, this book has Strasberg discussing the inspirational sources, theory and practicum of the Method school of acting he created. The result is A Dream of Passion: The Development of the Method, a masterpiece of wisdom and guidance for anyone involved with the theatre in any way.

What people say:

"For the concision of its argument, and its straightforward, comprehensive explication, this book is one of the most intelligent, stimulating and useful books ever written about acting and it is presented with an immediacy, clarity and analytical acuity." — Los Angeles Times

"A must for young actors—for old ones, too, for that matter." — Paul Newman

"An exploration of the creative process that will reward all who are interested in the nature of inspiration." — Library Journal

"...essential reading for actors, directors and students of theater." — Publishers Weekly

About the Author:

Lee Strasberg (1901-1982) was a Polish-born American actor, director, and legendary acting teacher. He co-founded, with directors Harold Clurman and Cheryl Crawford, the Group Theatre and was artistic director of the Actors Studio, working with James Dean, Julie Harris, Jane Fonda, and Joanne Woodward, where he was known for teaching method acting, or The Method. In 1969, he established the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.