Ep 2. Stella Adler: Awake and Dream

Stella Adler: Awake and Dream is an episode of American Masters season 4 that explores the life and career of one of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century, Stella Adler. Born in New York City in 1901, Adler was the daughter of legendary Yiddish theater actors Jacob and Sarah Adler. Growing up in the theater, Adler was exposed to the art of acting at a young age, and soon began performing on stage herself.

After studying with renowned Russian director Konstantin Stanislavski, Adler became a leading figure in the American theater scene, and later went on to found the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, which continues to this day. Known for her rigorous and demanding training methods, Adler was a mentor to many of the greatest actors of her time, including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Elaine Stritch.

Through interviews with her former students, archival footage, and clips of her performances on stage and screen, Stella Adler: Awake and Dream paints a vivid portrait of this pioneering figure in American theater. The episode delves into Adler's early years in the theater, her groundbreaking work bringing Stanislavski's method to America, and her role in shaping the careers of some of our most beloved actors.

We learn about Adler's passionate commitment to social justice, and her belief that acting had the power to change the world. Her insistence on truth and authenticity in performance became a hallmark of her teaching, and her students speak movingly about the impact she had on their lives and their craft.

Along the way, the episode offers glimpses into the vibrant world of American theater in the 20th century, as we see Adler and her peers grapple with issues of art, politics, and personal relationships. We witness Adler's collaborations with giants of the stage like Clifford Odets and Tennessee Williams, and see how her influence extended far beyond the boundaries of the theater, inspiring generations of artists to come.

Stella Adler: Awake and Dream is a fitting tribute to a woman whose impact on American culture was immeasurable. Through her tireless dedication to the art of acting, Adler helped to shape the way we understand and appreciate the power of performance. This episode is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American theater, or in the life of a remarkable woman who truly lived her dreams.