Part of our successful Routledge Performance Practitioners series of introductory guides to the key theatre-makers of the last century, this book examines Jacques Copeau; a leading figure in the development of twentieth century theatre practice, a pioneer for work on actor-training, physical theatre and ensemble acting, and a key innovator in the movement to de-centralize theatre and culture to the regions.

Presenting the background to and the work of one of the major influences on twentieth- and twenty-first-century performance, this is the first book to combine:

• 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, Jacques Copeau is unbeatable value for today's student.