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