Jacques Copeau

This book examines Jacques Copeau, a leading figure in the development of twentieth-century theatre practice, a pioneer in actor-training, physical theatre and ensemble acting, and a key innovator in the movement to de-centralize theatre and culture to the regions. Noe reissued, Jacques Copeau combines: - an overview of Copeau's life and work - an analysis of his key ideas - a detailed commentary of his 1917 production of Moliere's late farce Les Fourberies de Scapin - the opening performance of his influential New York season - a series of practical exercises offering an introduction to Copeau's working methods. As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners are unbeatable value for today's student.

Mark Evans is Professor of Theatre Training and Education, at Coventry University.

THE LIFE OF JACQUES COPEAU The formative years The Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier (1913-1917) The Vieux-Colombier in New York (1917-1919) The Company returns and the School re-opens (1919-1924) The retreat to Burgundy - Les Copiaus (1924-1929) Popular theatre, the Comédie-Française, and sacred drama (1929-1949) Le Patron COPEAU'S KEY WRITINGS AND IDEAS The rejuvenation of the theatre The education of the creative actor Popular forms of theatre: ancient, modern and sacred COPEAU'S IDEAS IN PRODUCTION: LES FOURBERIES DE SCAPIN Les Fourberies de Scapin (The Tricks of Scapin) by Molière The play: a synopsis of the plot Why did Copeau choose this play? Staging Rehearsing and acting: the actor's approach to Les Fourberies de Scapin A different kind of realism Symbolism and Scapin Framing the event Critical reaction Where next: a new commedia? ACROBATS OF THE SOUL: PRACTICAL EXERCISE FOR THE ACTOR Educating the actor: the context Before beginning Physical preparation Improvisation Mask-work The chorus The journey's end COPEAU'S LEGACY