Jacques Copeau

by Mark Evans

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781351333733
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/14/2017
Series:	Routledge Performance Practitioners
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	188
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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