About a year ago, discussions began as to the marking of 50 years since Michael Chekhov’s death - What should be done? How best can we pay respect to this genius of theater? It occurred to many of us that marking the date of his loss to the world would not befit the life he led. Marking the death seemed to us to add too great an importance to one day out of his life, instead of celebrating his life as a whole. We wanted both to celebrate his genius in the theater, his love of this profession, and the many gifts he left behind, especially in the form of his technique and to thank Mr. Chekhov’s original students like Daphne Field, Edith Tachna, Peggy Webber, Dierdre Hurst Du Prey, Ford Rainey, and especially Joanna Merlin, President of MICHA in New York, Mala Powers, Executrix of the Chekhov Estate, and Jack Colvin, Artistic Director of the Michael Chekhov Studio in Los Angeles.

While these thoughts and ideas were developing in the Studio, similar impulses were being experienced in other Chekhov communities. And to everyone’s delight, the long awaited translation and publication of Mr. Chekhov’s autobiography, The Path of the Actor, was announced by Routledge Theatre Books. Routledge, in association with the Michael Chekhov Centre UK hosted a celebration to launch the book. Our dear colleagues in London, Graham Dixon and Sara Kane, were instrumental in establishing England’s festivities with the launch party held at the Steiner House on the evening of September 30, 2005.

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 at the home of Odessa Ferris, the Studio’s contemporary patron, the Studio and the Chekhov Estate jointly hosted our celebration of the life and work of Michael Chekhov. We were humbled and grateful to have so many first generation Chekhov students in attendance, joyfully recalling their days with Mr. Chekhov. And while Joanna Merlin could not be present in body, she sent along a beautiful letter which was read by Maaren Edvard, a teacher and Secretary of the Studio. Mala Powers, who attended the London launch, also sent a lovely letter which was read by her protégée, Kim Barrett. An eloquent statement from Jack Colvin was read by his protégé, John Hugo, a teacher and Vice President of the Studio, and an excerpt from the book was read by James Loren, President. Studio members participated in a twenty-minute music and sketch comedy performance, directed by Jack Colvin, reminiscent of a New York theater after-party.

In some ways, this celebration of Life not only marked the genius of Michael Chekhov but the talent, vision, and dedication of the first generation, who continue the teachings and impulses of Mr. Chekhov, moving evermore toward his vision of a theater of the future. To these artists and teachers and to Michael Chekhov himself - we owe our future in the theater, in film, and in life.
Party Photos and Letters