The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre And The Thirties (Da Capo Paperback) by Harold Clurman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre And The Thirties (Da Capo Paperback)
Book Review: A Motivating, Historical Piece
Summary: 5 Stars
Admittedly, I read this under duress in my "Theatre History Seminar" course in college. However, it turned out to be one of the most inspiring pieces I have ever read._The Fervent Years_ chronicles the birth and triumph of The Group Theater. This group of actors, directors, producers, and theater enthusiasts sacrificed time, money, and easy fame to explore the roots of drama. The product of their efforts was the creation of a truly American style of theater.
Although the book has a decidedly theatrical spin, I think that all readers (from all backgrounds and interests) can benefit from reading this excellent piece. Right before I have to face a major challenge, I whip out my copy and give it another read.
Also, Clurman's self-centered, self-celebrating anecdotes never cease to amuse.
Book Review: INSPIRING!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the book that inspired me to be an actor. It is all that the theatre should and could be. Every actor, director, teacher, should read this book. Clurman's passion and emotion is evident in every line. He is an amazing man and every actor in this country owes something to the Group.Book Review: Splendid!
Summary: 5 Stars
Your not an actor till you read this. PeriodBook Review: The Importance of Group
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is exceptional. It gives you the insight of what theater should be. It will inspire anyone who is passionate about the theater. It inspired me to form my own group and realize the importance of being an artist.Book Review: A truly motivating piece of writing
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the single most inspiring pieces of writing I have ever read. For actors, directors, designers, technicians, and playgoers, as well as historians, this book is a must-read.In Clurman's wonderfully bombastic style, this is the first person account of one of the most exciting theatrical movements *ever*. It tells of the Group Theater, a movement which brought Stanislavsky's theories to American acting, and gave rise to the careers of playwright Clifford Odets & future filmmaker Elia Kazan, among others.
The story is amazing, truly inspirational, for those of us who love theater. About halfway through the text, I stopped being mildly irritated by Clurman's egomanical asides and started loving them. They give character to what might be rather dry history.
Besides, the man helped to shape the American aesthetic. I think we might give him a little leeway...
I finished this book feeling inspired by people who want to make their lives into art. It's a very personal story, and the real love affair in the book is between Clurman and the theater. And it's a gorgeous love story indeed.
(Additionally, this text is a great peek into the spirit that moved the 1930's. Really interesting from a cultural historian's perspective, I'm sure.)