Applying Michael Chekhov’s Acting Method in Chinese Small Theatre: Actor Energy Shaping and Transmission

Abstract

This study examines how Russian actor-teacher Michael Chekhov’s (1891–1955) acting techniques can be applied in Chinese small theatre to shape and transmit actor energy, defined as the amalgam of an actor’s psychological and physical vitality on stage. Focusing on the Hui Chang You Xi theatre troupe as a case study, the research integrates his theoretical concepts—such as radiation, atmosphere, and psychological gesture—with performance and embodiment theories. Qualitative data were collected through actor interviews and performance observations to understand how these methods enhance an actor’s ability to engage audiences. The findings indicate that his techniques of harnessing inner imaginative energy and projecting it outward, a process he termed "radiation," help actors create a powerful emotional atmosphere and a palpable stage presence, even in intimate theatre settings. Actors trained in his method, when aligning their mental and physical energies, were observed to convey characters with heightened authenticity and dynamic intensity. This paper discusses how Chekhovian concepts support the transmission of actor energy in small theatre contexts and considers implications for actor training and performance theory in contemporary Chinese theatre. Recommendations are offered for integrating psychological and physical training approaches to enrich actor preparation and audience impact.