This is me merely up to episode 4.
This tv series is to me the pinnacle and result of a century plus of the development of modern acting, writing, directing, technological integration from hair and makeup to computer wizardry. And is a direct heritage from the Elders of Clown Cinema: Roscoe Arbuckle; Edna Purviance; Hal Roach; Chaplin; Keaton; the legendary Hollywood producers, …. and the screenwriters.
At this point I know not one thing about any of the production players be they actors, writers, directors etc. But I will say…. they are directly rooted to the genius pioneers of Hollywood as well as the lineage of
a) Stanislavsky;
b) Strasberg who said the only thing he “added to Stanislavsky was spontaneity” (Source the book The Lee Strasberg Notes); and
c) Viola Spolin who made spontaneity the centre of acting.
So this show is also derived thus from Strasberg’s allies Elia Kazan and Jack Garfein as well as those who broke away from Strasberg yet are permanently connected historically with Strasberg. As well as with Stanislavsky.
Some such as Stella Adler, Harold Clurman, Sanford Meisner etc. who along with Strasberg under his youthful leadership as a Director and Teacher. Eventually they and 2 dozen others formed the inspiring cauldron of The Group Theatre.
That all links to the other side of the Atlantic and the British wealth of theatrical genius that finally found their way to blend their Shakespeare lineage to both Stanislavsky and Strasberg.
This TV series also gets my highest compliment that it is a great Clown Show.
Clowns are only real when they are solidly linked to the ancient and primal heritage of our Humanity. In that sense the show is a Greek comic-tragedy i.e. the only theatre worthy of the human spirit i.e. Comic-Tragic. Additionally, the show is totally Biblical in the sense of life is warts and all of Human weaknesses yet always reaching for the stars. Lastly congratulations to each and every actor. Already 4 episodes in…. I don’t want the series to end. The series is Ted Lasso on appletv.
Thanks to Jane and Chris for insisting that I see this series.
Below is The Blog of 100 blogs – title with each link I.S.A.A.C.
https://iraseid.com/2025/11/ira-seidenstein-blog-of-100-blogs-title-with-each-link-i-s-a-a-c.html