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Synopsis

This 70-minute documentary includes:

 

  • the Alexander family convict origins, historical setting of Tasmania’s development in the late 1800’s with magnificent scenic photos

 

  • FM Alexander's early years in North West Tasmania (1869–1889),
    schooling and development of his love of Shakespeare and poetry

 

  • his acting career in Melbourne interrupted because of vocal misuse,  interfering with his stage career; how he solved his voice and breathing problems

 

  • Alexander developing a very successful dual career in Australasia as an actor and voice teacher, helping others to improve not only their voice and breathing problems, but other ailments as well

 

  • Leading Doctors supported his work and encouraged him to move to London in 1904

 

  • Alexander became known and accepted for his teaching, establishing a teacher training course in 1931 to train others to teach his methods

 

Rare archival footage of a live interview with Alexander’s pupil Erika Whittaker, talking about her memories of Alexander and the first teacher training course.

 

Other features include Present-day interviews with:

 

  • James Galway, Flautist

  • Kings College Choir choristers

  • Professor Paul Little, University of Southampton UK

  • Professor Lucy Brown, Albert Einstein Medical Centre ,   New York

  • Professor Galen Cranz, University of California, Berkeley

The DVD also features an Alexander Technique lesson with Diana Devitt-Dawson and one of her pupils.  Additionally Diana's "first lesson" with Geeta is featured on YouTube - view here:

https://youtu.be/oXqIuvav5hY

The Australian Building, Melbourne – FM's first office was on the 7th floor.

 

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