Back to the Body: Infusing Physical Life into Characters in Theatre and Film

What sets this book apart from others is not only its comprehensive approach for actors to develop a character but also the thoughtful detail it provides in the form of exercises and guidance. Instead of offering only a narrative of what happens during an acting class, this book can actually *become* the basis for an acting class. As a primary text for instruction – at any level – “Back to the Body: Infusing Physical Life into Characters in Theatre and Film” constructs a framework that demonstrates the importance of the Alexander Technique in the preparation of actors and other creatives. Its step-by-step exercises, which individuals can undertake on their own or in groups, can become a set of straightforward lesson plans. After reading this book, you will understand why it is no mystery that top acting programs around the world – Carnegie Mellon, Juilliard, NIDA, NYU, RADA, UCLA, Yale – teach the Alexander Technique. This book enables talented students without access to those institutions, which is virtually everyone (because such programs are so small), to begin their creative quest and to learn about this method. “Back to the Body” elaborates on acting techniques specifically in the context of Alexander Technique practice, and this union of techniques emphasizes how the actor’s body is the foundation for their character. It cannot be stressed enough: Acting is not simply a phenomenon that occurs in the human brain; at its best, it is authentic living, which involves an entire person. Truly, *anyone* can benefit from the study of how to reach one’s physical potential through the best use of one’s body, too. In that respect, this book is for everyone. Following up on reading “Back to the Body” with formal study of the Alexander Technique in private or semi-private lessons would certainly build upon its lessons. Regardless, the Appendix of Full and Partial Warmups is a valuable collection of exercises useful for anyone leveraging their voice and their body in performance, be it public speaking, teaching, practicing law, or broadcasting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone curious about how actors optimally prepare for their work on stage or screen as well as to anyone hoping to reach their potential, whatever the field is in which they perform.

While I believe that this book along with the practice of Alexander is essential to actors, I also believe that Alexander can have a life changing impact on anyone. Through Alexander, you deepen your knowledge of the self and connect to your body, breath, mind, and intuition. After working with Jean Louis for only a few months, I felt a complete transformation (almost a transcendence) in my body. Jean Louis is one of the most esteemed and intuitive Alexander teachers of our time. Although I have been a student of his for over seven years now, this book has taught me new exercises and perspectives that continue to inform my approach to my work and my self. It also beautifully lays out the process and mechanics of Alexander in a very detailed and comprehensive manner, and provides real-world examples to study and learn from. I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Back to the Body is a guidebook for the adventurous actor! From the beginning, you are invited to explore; first within yourself, then interacting with space around you, and finally through the world of your imagination - and going further into Virtual Environments! I found this book to be unique in its direct connection of Alexander Technique to the creative process of building a character. Jean-Louis Rodrigue offers a roadmap into this very soulful world of character-work. Part III, Approaching the Script Through Character could be a book in itself – a transformational process laid out in progressive steps. The Alexander Technique phrase you learn in the first chapter is, “I have time”. Throughout this book Jean-Louis adds, “use it” - encouraging you to play, practice and explore! Don’t skim this book or you might miss the very practical guidance for using sets, props, costumes and the appendix on new technologies. Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Scott Weintraub highlight performances and the work of performing artists through interviews and by referencing specific examples in film. Reading all the way through this book, I could feel the love and respect that they have for actors and for their colleagues in physical storytelling. I am grateful to them for undertaking this book as a reminder of the profoundly expressive nature of our bodies and our humanity.

This is a remarkable and complete book on acting within your body. It incorporates examples, practical exercises, musical rhythms, images, animal work, script analysis and incorporates the many years of knowledge and experience of it's authors both as practitioners, and teachers. I personally have used these practices for years and am so glad that there is now a book that brings it all together. Oscar winners have used have used these methods and practices for themselves. I find it is a great way to get inside of a character and bring an organic truth to each character!! DO NOT HESITATE! Get this book now.

I am a chiropractor and work with many patients with chronic neck and back pain so Alexander Work in conjunction with my care can be a powerful combination. Alexander Work gives the "student" the ability to have control and awareness of how they hold their body at rest and during movement. "Back to the Body" is a wonderful exploration into how we can use our body in a conscious manner and while the book is perfect for actors, performers, and musicians -- can be a profound gift to us regular folk that just want to move freely through life. A book that is fun to read and for everybody's body.

A very practical and thoughtful guide to creating characters through movement and creative choices. Jean-Louis Rodrigue illuminates his methodology and communicates it in specific understandable terms. A must read in my opinion. Also very insightful to review the film clips and see the teachings in practice. The workbook exercises make for a deeper dive into the material. Lynn Hamrick, DGA Director.

I head the pleasure to work with Jean Louis Rodrigues for many years and this book beautifully condenses all his wisdom in a very applicable way. It has become a precious tool to support me when preparing a role. The included questions and exercises are a great reminder how crucial it is for an actor to truly embody the character!

Back to the Body hasn't left my side since I first purchased it. It's become my resource, my go-to, my don't-leave- home-without- it as a speaker and performer. The exercises are insightful and most importantly, they work! Being guided by Jean-Louis has changed every aspect of my life. Not only as a stage performer but also as a mom and wife. I'm much more confident, grounded, moving with ease, and clear about the direction of my future. Having this book has been instrumental in my growth and I'd highly recommend it for everyone, as we all move and breathe through the ups and downs of life! A gentle reminder, I have time, is a gift in itself! Thank you, Jean-Louis!

I appreciate having this book. Studying with Jean-Louis Rodrigue in Australia was exploratory and playful. It broadened my imagination and helped me ground that within my body. The detail and practicality is much appreciated. Thank you for putting it all down for us as a companion and guide in our career. Falon

This book is a rare gem. Effectively a ‘workshop in print,’ 'Back to the Body' explains complex concepts simply, then gives practical exercises to enable you to embody them. It is an astonishingly generous work written by masters who have distilled many decades of experience and volumes of material into one concise, beautifully written volume. I spent two days with this book, and ‘came out the other side’ physically taller through better posture, with a deeper knowledge of how and why to use Alexander Technique, and an astonished gratitude that so much rich knowledge is available in one short book – a student could pay tens of thousands to access this quality of information and experience. This is a book written for actors, but the material is just as relevant to anyone who wants to truly come alive. The techniques in this book increase energy, activate a greater awareness of all that is around you, and give practical tools to activate the potential within. It’s the best book I’ve read in years – my copy is dog-eared, underlined and scrawled all over, and I know I’ll be reading it again. I have the kindle version and paperback. Seriously, it's that good.