This is an assessment of the work and influence as a director of Jacques
Copeau (1879-1949), who has long been regarded as one of the fathers of
twentieth-century French theatre. Along with Antoine and his own pupils
Dullin and Jouvet, Copeau is known to have been instrumental in
restoring the traditional values of theatre at the same time as seeking,
through training and experiment, a vital contemporary function. The work
of Brook's company and research centre in Paris today is, for example,
in direct descent from that of Copeau. John Rudlin examines the course
of Copeau's directorial career, concentrating on his techniques in
rehearsal and performance, charting his relationships with those who
collaborated and worked with him, and elucidating his ideas of theatre.
This book will interest all scholars and students of twentieth-century
drama, and will also be of use to theatre practitioners.