“LINEAGE & LEGACY: THE MICHAEL CHEKHOV STUDIO & THE DARTINGTON LADIES”

In an interview-setting, Ted Pugh is telling the story of Michael Chekhov’s journey from Dartington Hall in England to America. Ted is recollecting his own time teaching at Beatrice Straight’s Michael Chekhov Studio in NYC; and he is bringing to life four of Michael Chekhov’s original students who were part of the studio:  the “Dartington Ladies”.

“LINEAGE & LEGACY: THE ACTORS’ ENSEMBLE & THE DARTINGTON LADIES”

In a conversational interview, Fern Sloan is reflecting on the important contribution  the original Michael Chekhov Studio in NYC made to Michael Chekhov’s legacy. Among the faculty of this studio was the Academy Award winning actress Beatrice Straight and the “Dartington Ladies”, former students of Chekhov’s. Also teaching at the studio were the members of “The Actors’ Ensemble”, which is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Fern is reflecting on the Ensemble’s relationship to those early pioneers of the Chekhov work.

“WORKING WITH MICHAEL CHEKHOV” -with Joanna Merlin-

Joanna Merlin recounts studying with Michael Chekhov in Los Angeles as a young actress

“YOU WANT TO LIVE IN IT” -A film about The Actors’ Ensemble-

Since 1985 The Actors’ Ensemble has been creating theater with the mission of developing Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting. Projects have included plays, adaptations of literary works, devised ensemble pieces, ensemble-filmmaking and teaching.
In this film portrait by Ragnar Freidank artistic directors Fern Sloan and Ted Pugh are discussing the beginnings of the Ensemble and the meaning the Michael Chekhov work has in their lives.