THE TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES THROUGH WHICH SPOKEN DRAMA ACTORS CULTIVATE AND ESTABLISH MENTAL IMAGES (XIN XIANG)

Abstract

The research objective of this paper is to explore and discuss the methods by which Spoken Drama actors establish "mental images (Xin Xiang)", enabling them to create vivid and three-dimensional character images. The research methods of this paper are as follows: 1) Literature research method. Review relevant literature and collect discussions on Jiao Juyin's "mental image theory", including master's theses and journal articles, and conduct research, comparison and classification. 2) Field observation. Observe and record the teaching process of senior performance teachers. This includes Professor Xu Weihong, the director of the Performance Department of Shanghai Theatre Academy, and Teacher Wang Jingjing from the Performance Department of Shanghai Normal University. 3) Practice. Use the methods provided by this research to shape the character Vera in the stage play (Stage Spoken Drama) "And Then There Were None". The research results show that the methods for actors to cultivate and establish "mental images (Xin Xiang)" can be divided into the following three stages: 1) Reading the script and nurturing the germ of the character. 2) Observing and experiencing life, accumulating character materials. 3) Repeated rehearsals and continuous improvement of the "mental image (Xin Xiang)". Through this research, we have clarified the key steps and methods for actors to establish "mental images (Xin Xiang)", as well as the profound impact of this process on character shaping, providing actors with more effective methods for character shaping.