Interviews Books

The collaboration of Kama Ginkas and John Freedman, Provoking Theater: Kama Ginkas Directs is an extensive interview offering insights especially recommended for theater professionals and students, but open to all who have a keen interest in this evolving art form as reflected in the concerns and observations of the inspirational genius Kama ginkas -- one of Russia's most widely acclaimed theater directors working today. In lengthy and descriptive question-and-answer format, Kama Ginkas himself speaks of his roots in the Stanislavsky system, to inspiration gained from the cutting-edge work of Vsevolod Meyerhold, to difficulties of communication and the vulnerability of the actor on stage. Dramatic, inspirational, revealing, Provoking Theater is a uniquely presented insider's viewpoint and not to be missed by students and enthusiasts of contemporary theater.

I agree completely with the previous poster. The interview form is perfect for Ginkas and the spontaneous, paradoxical energy that makes this master director so compelling. Ginkas and his interviewer, John Freedman, clearly enjoy each other's company, and Ginkas is refreshingly playful, direct, and full of insights into the craft of theater in almost equal measure.

Freedman's role is clearly not that of bookish translator, rather that of clear-eyed devotee who is well-versed in the finer points of his subject. He has finessed that which cannot be expressed in words - the visceral power of Ginkas in person and in performance - into a series of thoughtful, self-effacing verbal gestures that lift you closer to the source without you even noticing. The result is far from an academic assessment, but is indeed like sitting down and having a coffee (or, even better, a glass of tea infused with Lithuanian liqueur) with an endlessly fascinating artist who lived through some of the most cataclysmic episodes of the 20th Century, and emerged triumphant.

There is a wealth of detail that illuminates Ginkas' artistic world. A personal favorite is Ginkas' description of his fascination with the Lithuanian wood sculptures that used to be displayed in small shrines next to virtually every landowner's house. Reading it brought back the image of a dying Ivanov climbing into the human-sized nook of a massive, gnarly tree trunk in Ginkas' staging of Chekhov's "Rothschild's Fiddle," and made it that much more poignant and overwhelming. This is just one of dozens of anecdotes that are quite simply amazing.

A fantastic, lively book. I sat down and read it straight through. I am a theatre director, and have read more than a thousand theatre books. This is one of the best I've seen. Uncompromising, alive, questioning, commanding. A new voice, a new way of making theatre, a new way of thinking.

I expect this book will have the same kind of impact on the theatre world that Grotowski's, Barba's, Brook's, Oida's, Suzuki's, and LePage's first books did. Ginkas is a vibrant, articulate presence. Freedman, a brilliantly perceptive American scholar of Russian theatre who lives in Moscow and is theatre critic for the Moscow Times, asks the perfect questions, then gets out of the way and lets Ginkas talk.

Good call.

It's like having coffee with Kama. He's right there, talking straight to you, arguing and laughing on the deepest and most present level. Theatre is a living force in him.

Russian theatre leads American theatre, on many fronts, and Ginkas's work is on the leading edge of Moscow theatre. From his white-on-white-with-dead-white-lighting set for K.I. from "Crime", to his field of peacock feathers gently waving, to his Kantoresque Macbeth wooden cart, you know you are in the hands of a master.

Ginkas was one of the few children to survive the holocaust of his Jewish ghetto in Lithuania, and this has marked his outlook and his work. It is a fantastic and eerie vibration, in this book, to feel Ginkas -- himself obviously incredibly vibrant and full of life -- expressing his outlooks and work in language and metaphor so drenched with death.

In the Biography chapter, Ginkas talks about his growing up in terms so natural that you can feel the ordinariness at the same time you can feel the horror.

Unable to work in theatre for many years, until perestroika helped dissolve the barriers, Ginkas kept his skills honed by thinking, analyzing, talking with his equally skillful director wife & other theatre practitioners, and rehearsing actors for other director's productions. Like Jiang, the painter who worked in China for almost 20 years under similarly repressive circumstances, painting each night and destroying the paintings each following morning, this pure distillation of practice has given a core of thoughtfulness to Ginkas.

He feels like a man who has earned his thoughts. They're not light.

And, it's wonderful to get to experience them in this rare and intimate form. Welcome, Kama Ginkas. Thank you, John Freedman.

I recommend you get two copies, one to keep & one to loan. Enjoy. You're in for a treat.

rachel

The education of America's children is so important to us as a society. Yet very few people know what's really involved in how children learn and how teachers teach.And even less is known about the role of educational publishers. This is an eye-opening insider view of how Houghton Mifflin went about it, told not only by Miller but by his colleagues in the business. Those in charge of seeking solutions today would do well to take a page or two out of this experience.

Publishing: A Leap From Mind To Mind by Harold T. Miller (President and Chairman of the Houghton Mifflin Company) tells the true and complex story of the independent publishing firm of Houghton Mifflin from the years of World War II up through 1990. From Houghton Mifflin's recruitment of expert authors; to develop cutting-edge textbooks of the finest possible learning programs; to Houghton Mifflin's work in developing solid standardized tests for aptitude measurement; to ongoing business nuances of an ever changing and always competitive market place, Publishing: A Leap From Mind To Mind is an involving real-life saga arising from the publishing industry and highly recommended reading.

For anyone who longs to know what really happens in the process of publishing books -- and even in areas such as reading textbooks, math textbooks, or children's books -- you should consult Publishing: A Leap from Mind to Mind. The former CEO of Houghton is as candid as he is insightful, presenting a variety of topics in a compelling fashion. Unlike most books on publishing which show how the barbarians have taken over, this refreshing volume shows how to create a successful publishing enterprise. And the final chapter on the Culture of Independence should be read and thought about by everyone in, or thinking of going into, book publishing.

This book is a collection of interviews with recent Russian immigrants to the US. The authors have organized the book in sections according to the reason for migration or the immigrant's occupation in either the Soviet Union or the US, including Privilege Lost, God and Religious Dissent, Artists, Scientists and Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and the Gray Zone (sex industry workers). The very first interviewee, Georges Nakhitchevansky actually came to the US from France, but he provides a very insightful overview of the historical waves of Russian immigrants to the US, from the first refugees of the Bolshevik regime, to the Cold War immigrants, and the modern wave. He also notes how little communication or understanding there is between these groups once they arrive in the US. In the first few sections of the book, most of the focus is on the immigrants' motivation for leaving the Soviet Union, and there is relatively little reflection on life for Russians in the US. In later sections, however, a few interviewees make interesting observations about how life differs in the US and how they have had to struggle to survive here. One point mentioned over and again is how much harder people work at their jobs in America. On the other hand, some interviewees note that the average worker back home seems better educated and more capable than the average person here, yet we still seem to get more out of our workers here than they do in Russia. With its deeply personal interviews, this book shines a light on many aspects of the lives of recent Russian immigrants.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Well written, well structured. Extremely moving.

Many of the experiences of the new Russian imigrants captured in this book read like short stories with a beginning, a middle, and a moral. Essentially all of the stories are compelling even when the character is not sympathetic. The human struggle to persevere in the modern world is no where better captured than in the experience of leaving everything you have ever known to start again in a new country. As these are contemporary stories, many resonate.

This book is a great buy for anyone interested in Ridley Scott or in filmmaking in general. His interviews if looked at closely reveal mountains of filmmaking knowledge as it goes through most of his major motion pictures in a series of varying inteviews dating from around 70's to when the book was published. True film buffs might get a good bit of pleasure out of this text as well.

I've been a fan of Ridley Scott's films since I first began to study film as an art form and not just as something to do on a weekend. Your eyes are never bored, he constantly produces great images to take in and transport you to new worlds. The level of immersion he allows an audience to indulge in is amazing, there are not too many other filmmakers who are able to do this.

This interview book starts at his early beginnings at art school and his long and lucrative foray into the commercial world and proceeds chronologically through Matchstick Men. There is some mention of Kingdom of Heaven, but no heavy material, as this book was published around the same time this movie came out.

Although a couple of the articles were somewhat familiar to me, most were first time reads for me, and so the book was very fresh and informative. Some of his lesser known or less popular films like White Squall and 1492:Conquest of Paradise have some very good making-of articles and were the most surprising. Much is discussed about Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma and Louise, which is a given, but this doesn't diminish their interest.

What unfolds is a well drawn picture of a man who didn't start making features until he was nearly 40, whose film career has had its ups and downs over the last nearly three decades, yet who has not tired of making pictures that stretch over vast and small spaces and will hopefully continue to innovate and challenge audiences for years to come. I highly recommend this book for his fans, and for those who have taken even passing interest in his films.

I usually own all the movies directed by my favorite directors. Even their lesser achievements often prove to say a lot about them. And you usually get to understand the man (if not know them) through their filmography.
I must admit that I never thought of Ridley Scott as one of my favorite directors until I read this book. I never actually realized that I actually own all his movies! and the reason for that is because I was not always connecting the themes and constants all along his career. If you take Alien and Thelma&Louise, one could wonder what is the link between the 2 films. I am not saying that we should always try to connect every filmmaker's movie to his previous ones but after reading Ridley's interviews, I really started understanding the man's endeavour. All through the interviews, spreading from 1975 to 2000, he actually never discusses politics or mystical matters. He is a filmmaker with a pragmatic approach to his art. Coming with an art director background, he likes to build his movies. At some point, it is said he likes to create universe. And this is the connection between all of his movies: the sets speak for Ridley. He seems to take acting very seriously as well so he is not just painting on the surface; content does matter equally as the surface but Ridley works in subtle touches. He obviously demonstrates through the years that he leaves nothing to chance.
Highly recommanded.

the right side is definately inspiring!!i am one of the women in the book and found myself inspired by reading about and meeting some of the other women as well as patty and leif!!it should give anyone dreading turning forty an incentive to know that life just begins!!

Leif Zurmuhlen's photographic study of women over forty is as effective an exploration of his artistry as it is a celebration of the lives of these fascinating individuals. Of particular interest is Zurmuhlen's art direction. Working alone, he is able to create complex and multifaceted compositions that intrigue, amuse, captivate. This is an extremely enjoyable collection of images. Check it out.

Leif Zurmuhlen's intimate and artistic photographs reveal the spirit and vivacity of women over forty. Patricia Martin's text allows the reader to delve into the personalities of these women, who come from all over the country and all walks of life. This book is inspirational and interesting. Women and men will enjoy this excellent work. I keep mine out on the coffee table and it has sparked many intriguing discussions. When is the next book coming?

Reviewed by Mark M. Owen, Ph.D.

Rolling Stone Interviews will strike magical chords in everyone. The book, edited with deep affection by Jann S. Wenner and Joe Levy, binds together reprinted interviews with famous people taken from Rolling Stone Magazines spanning nearly forty years. Starting with Pete Townsend of the Who in 1968 before the release of Tommy, and ending with U2's front man Bono in 2005, the interviews capture and frame a chunk of modern history in a truly unique fashion.

For those unfamiliar with the interviews of Rolling Stone, it's not just about music. Captured in raw form are the thoughts and feelings of directors like George Lucas after the release of the original smash hit Star Wars, and actors like Jack Nicholson after 1983's Best Picture Oscar went to Terms of Endearment. There are interviews with comedian Robin Williams, talk show hosts Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and writers like Tom Wolfe, all stand-out artists in their own right.

The most striking features of the book are the voices. It's rare in a non-fiction title to capture so much passion. John Lennon's interview in 1971 shortly after the breakup of the Beatles has more guttural honesty than a priest's confession. Kurt Cobain's 1994 interview captured shortly before his suicide lays out personal demons and screams for help. Bill Clinton's interview from 2000 breathes enough soul-searching sage advice to garner empathy from any hardened Republican. And there's more.

It must have been difficult to choose which interviews to include in the book. Of the multiple Eric Clapton interviews from various issues of the magazine, how could someone pick just one? Likewise, I'm not sure I would have voted for the Axl Rose saga to be included. But I'm thankful for what is there, all in one place.

Where else could you find the thoughts of the Dalai Lama just pages away from those of Ozzy Osbourne?

Armchair Interviews says: If you love music and the entertainment business-and strong stories and writing,this book is for you.

The presses of Rolling Stone magazine began to roll in San Francisco in the midst of a world-shaking consciousness-raising wake-up call centered around music, peace, and love. Many magazines published interviews, but The Rolling Stone Interview was definitive--in the interviewee's own words, unedited, uncensored, and whatever amount of space needed.

This book includes important interviews from 1967 to 1980 with some of the most great musicians of the time. Their words are as timeless as the music.

Ralph Gleason was a SF music columnist with an ear for great music from the jazz era to the emerging music of the mid 60s. Gleason joined with Rolling Stone Founder/Publisher Jann Wenner and contributed crucial reviews about the local bands and musicians. (Those columns alone would make an important book about the times.) Gleason did a Rolling Stone Interview with Bob Dylan in 1967. Dylan was interviewed again in 1969 by Wenner. The amazing 1972 Rolling Stone Interview with Jerry Garcia was a conversation with Wenner and Charles Reich.

The book is illustrated with photographs.

The interviews in this book--

Donovan 1967 (J Carpenter)
Bob Dylan 1967 (Gleason)
B.B. King 1968 (Gleason)
Eric Clapton 1968 (Wenner)
Pete Townshend 1968 (Wenner)
Mick Jagger 1968 (J Cott)
Jim Morrison 1969 (J Hopkins)
Phil Spector 1969 (Wenner)
Bob Dylan 1969 (Wenner)
Little Richard 1970 (D Dalton)
Van Morrison 1970 (H Traum)
Grace Slick & Paul Kantner 1970 (B Fong-Torres)
Rod Stewart 1970 (J Morthland)
John Lennon 1971 (Wenner)
Keith Richards 1971 (R Greenfield)
Jerry Garcia 1972 (Wenner & C Reich)
Paul Simon 1972 (J Landau)
Chuck Berry 1972 (P W Salvo)
Keith Moon 1972 (J Hopkins)
James Taylor & Carly Simon 1973 (S Werbin)
Ray Charles 1973 (B Fong-Torres)
Johnny Cash 1973 (R Hilburn)
Stevie Wonder 1973 (B Fong-Torres)
Elton John 1973 (P Gambaccini)
Paul McCartney 1974 (P Gambaccini)
Jimmy Page & Robert Plant 1975 (C Crowe)
Neil Young 1975 (C Crowe)
Mick Jagger 1978 (J Cott)
Linda Ronstadt 1978 (P Herbst)
Bob Dylan 1978 (J Cott)
Paul McCartney 1979 (P Gambaccini)
Joni Mitchell 1979 (C Crowe)
James Taylor 1979 (P Herbst)
Pete Townshend 1980 (G Marcus)
Billy Joel 1980 (T White)

Great talk from the classic era, with great interviews with Led Zep, Dylan, Neil Young, Stones, Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel by writers Ralph Gleason, Jonathan Cott, Timothy White, Cameron Crowe, Bob Greenfield and more rock scribes. Neat time capsule.

I had heard nothing of this man before or these kind of studies, and I was very eager to read this book. Not only did I find the book interesting on many levels, but I also found many of the stories quite motivational. I, myself, have tried out many spiritual and mind-opening paths with psychoactives before such as LSD, Psilocybin, and MDMA, so I could somewhat relate to what Leo and many of his friend's stories were talking about. For people that have not even taken a step into this kind of field, I still recommend everyone semi-interested enough in fixing problems in life or just psychology in general to read this book. It had a very profound effect on me after I read it, and I truly thank Leo Zeff and the many others that carried on with the illegal experiments to gain further knowledge about these mystical drugs. If it were not for them, then the world would truly be blinded by the brain-washed lies of many activists against drugs that could actually help somebody like myself.

The Secret Chief of the title is Leo Zeff. Mr. Zeff was a therapist who specialized in the use of psychedelic substances (LSD, MDMA, etc.,) as adjuncts to therapy. The book is Mr. Zeff's collected experience and wisdom on the subject, as told to Myron Stolaroff (the interviewer and author). At under 170 pages the book is a short, quick read. Because it's a collection of transcribed interviews, the overall tone of the book is informal and conversational. At the same time, it's very informative, and loaded with practical information on conducting psychedelic sessions. Mr. Zeff lays out guidelines for screening people, proper set & setting, dosages, and qualitative differences between the different substances he worked with. The rules he set down for his sessions are simple and practical - it's obvious he wanted to achieve optimum results with minimal difficulties.

The Secret Chief Reveled differs from the original Secret Chief in that there's an additional 25 pages of text (Appendix II,) and also some photos. In the appendix, we get to hear from 7 people who knew Mr. Zeff (including his son and daughter), and they describe how the sessions went, and what impact Mr. Zeff's work had on them. After reading Mr. Zeff's first-person account in the main part of the book, it was nice to read this part and get some additional perspective. It made the whole read a little fuller.

All in all, I found this to be an interesting, entertaining, and surprisingly practical book. Mr. Zeff spent a long time conducting these sessions and increasing his knowledge; Myron Stolaroff did a great thing by interviewing Mr. Zeff and preserving his wisdom for posterity. If you like this book and are still interested in practical information on hallucinogenic psychological work, I recommend Stanislav Grof's book "LSD Psychotherapy." It's a much longer read and geared more to the professional clinician, but Grof also goes into much greater detail.

The Secret Chief Revealed: conversations with Leo Zeff, pioneer in the underground psychedelic therapy movement, Strolaroff, Myron, MAPS Sarasota, FL, 2004
Reviewed by dogbreth (willing to accept comments) bethere@centurytel.net
A quick read loaded with insights, The Secret Chief Revealed serves multiple purposes effectively. The actual "text" of the conversations is under 100 pages, but the introductions, forward, prologue, tribute, epilogue, appendixes, additional tributes and section devoted to resources introduce the reader to some of the main personalities involved in psychedelic research and extend the book to close to double the length of the text.
Leo Zeff, now deceased, is revealed as former Jungian therapist who tried LSD originally around 1961, when it was still a legal chemical. He found insights that he had been looking for and believed that it was possible that some of his therapy clients could also benefit as well. He worked out a protocol, which changed over the years for providing a responsible safe self exploratory trip using LSD for psychotherapy. When the federal government outlawed LSD Zeff made the difficult decision to continue to treat people using psychedelics (Zeff had been a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, he respected the government and was very spiritual). It was most likely Zeffs spirituality that kept him treating people with psychedelics after they were made illegal as the chemical could bring about spiritual experiences and enhanced his clients' lives.
Zeff did not like to refer to psychedelics as "drugs" rather "medicine". It could be used properly or improperly, just as morphine or antibiotics. Working as a Jungian therapist Zeff believed he was there to basically assist his clients in finding their own solutions, more of less waiting it out. With LSD the solutions came much quicker, often with a single trip. In therapeutic use of LSD Zeff had his clients agree to a basic set of rules: 1. they would not leave the house or place where the trip was taking place without his permission, 2. they agreed that there would be no physical harm or violence to them, him or anyplace they were, 3. reiterate the security agreement - they must agree that they will never reveal to anybody else where and with whom they had the experience without his prior approval, 4. there would be no sex during the experience, 5. the client had to agree to follow Zeffs directions no matter what, the client had to agree to follow his commands without question and have faith in him. Prior to taking the medicine they would then read a prayer aloud. The clients were asked to bring in photographs of family and important people and places in their lives as well as personal articles which would stimulate a therapeutic conversation which would take place prior to the effects of the medicine. Once the medicine took effect the client would lie down, put a cover over their eyes and headphones on so that they could listen to music.
Music was played the entire time during the experience. Zeff believed this to be very important. This is one area in which I wish the conversation/text had delved deeper. The music which was considered so important is barely discussed other than to say that it was always on. It is mentioned that the music would very based upon the clients tastes, the impression I get is that classical or jazz were the main genres.
The conversational tone of the book provides wonderful insights into Leo Zeff as a person. He obviously had a good sense of humor and was living life to its fullest. His language is full of colloquialisms which enhance the readers' ability to "see" him as he speaks.
In working with clients the initial tripping experience was always with LSD, this was to establish the clients base-level dose. Initial dose level would be 250 micrograms, if the client did not turn on with this amount a booster of 125micrograms would be given after about an hour. Additional boosters might be given if the client did not appear to be affected by the medicine. Zeff makes the comment that some clients would claim that it wasn't having an effect so he would tell them any additional amount wouldn't benefit them so they weren't going to get any "and you know, when they find out they can't have a booster they lay down and the sons of bitches they turn on! (Much laughter)." (p. 91).
Over the years medicines other than LSD were used, primarily psilocybin, MDA, harmaline, Ibogaine, and MDMA (which Zeff states is a "beautiful trip"). The initial dosage and follow ups would establish the base-line dosage levels for other medicines, Zeff states that three grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms was the equivalent to 250 micrograms of LSD).
The text of the book is informative and entertaining. Other sections provide the reader with excellent introductions to some of the main personalities in the psychedelic therapy and creation movement, but Appendix III is what I found to be of phenomenal value. It is the "Resources" area, and has an extensive list of books, internet sites and other areas of interest for the reader. Published by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) 100% of the profits of this very reasonably priced book go toward psychedelic psychotherapy research.

I am entering my Freshman year of college, years away from interviewing for any "real" job, but Mr. Adler's book will help me in many different walks of life. Oscar puts the reader at every advantage from the time before the interview until writing the follow up thank you letters. He provides insight on what to expect, and shifts your thinking from considering yourself to analyzing the needs of both the interviewer and the company. Ideas like this will help anyone be more successful socially. The features/benefits idea is simple but genius, and is a necessity for any interviewee to understand. Thank you Mr. Adler for this classic!

This book contains all of the extra "should knows" before entering the world of interviewing. I recently was in a transition place in my career and as someone who had not interviewed in many years I found Oscar Adler's advice invaluable. His instruction is simple to follow and easy to trust due to his credibility. I strongly recommend this book to both the first time interviewer and those re-entering the work force

I purchased the book to get information to train students entering the job market. I found this information and also tips on listening skills and questioning models that were applicable to daily life situations. The book was very easy to read and I found the practice pages worthwhile. Finally, the size of the book made it easy to transport and refer to on the train or bus.

Sepia Dreams is definitely a MUST HAVE for one that has a great appreciation for art/photography. The affirmations are inspiring. The book is a great gift to give to loved ones.

Beautiful. Intelligent. Inspirational. Sepia Dreams is a work of art and aspiration! With so many stories of the people we love the most, you can't put it down. A great gift, and a must-have addition to your home library!
--LLOYD BOSTON, author of MEN OF COLOR

From the moment I first opened this book, I haven't been able to stop talking about it to my co-workers, friends, and family. Never before have I been so proud to own a book . At a time when we could all use something upbeat and positive, this book is inspirational, motivational, and uplifting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

I was extremely impressed with this CD. MY son is interviewing for a firefighter position and says it was very helpful. Well worth the investment. Amazon's shipping and customer service were superb.

This is Deanna's husband Jay Dudleys' Review. This is by far the "Best" Book out there for preparing for your interview. I've had a 100% sucess rate using Chief Lepores' Books. We're in a small community and there has been ten individuals who have used his books....all ten have either been promoted or hired as firefighters. This is a must have book either on CD or hardback. There's even a new book coming out...don't miss that one either.

I have already read Smoke Your Firefighter Interview, and I must say that the audiobook version is a wonder supplement to the it. I have been able to listen to it in the car to and from work as well as long trips for department tests, and the audio disc is extremely well read. It not only provides the most popular questions asked but also the reason that they are asked. This provides a very good understanding of the purpose of the interview so that you can understand what they are looking for. This is a must for anyone serious about doing well on their oral interview.