"This book presents a lucid and multi-levelled account of the human voice in the context of performance - expressive theatrical performance and the performance of everyday communication. The logical progression of exercises is designed for professional actors, student actors, teachers of acting, teachers of voice and speech and anyone interested in vocal expression. The emphasis of the work is on the removal of the physical and psychological blocks that inhibit the human vocal instrument and its objective is a voice in direct contact with emotional impulse, shaped by the intellect but not restricted by it." "This revised and expanded edition emphasises the use of imagery and imagination in developing the art of the voice. It incorporates exercises developed over the past three decades that have stood the test of repetition, reliably producing results when practised conscientiously and with understanding. Once the voice is free it can connect viscerally with language, transforming interpretative skills. The final section of this edition provides an in-depth guide to text interpretation. Knowing how to connect language with breath and voice is a golden key to hang on the chain of the actors' craft."--BOOK JACKET.

Kristin Linklater has been Professor of Theatre Arts at Columbia University in New York where she was also Chair of the Theatre Division.