Ariane Mnouchkine, the most significant living French theatre director, has devised over the last forty years a form of research and creation with her theatre collective, Le Theatre du Soleil, that is both engaged with contemporary history and committed to reinvigorating theatre by foregrounding the centrality of the actor. This is the first book to combine: an overview of Mnouchkine's life, work and theatrical influences, an exploration of her key ideas on theatre and the creative process, analysis of key productions, including her early and groundbreaking environmental political piece, 1789, and the later Asian-inspired play penned by Helene Cixous, Drums on the Dam, practical exercises, including tips on maskwork. 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. Book jacket.
