Author Description

The work of an outstanding Georgian theatre director and teacher Mikhail Tumanishvili (1921-1996) was first published in Georgia in 1976 and is now made available for the first time in an English translation. Before the Rehearsal Begins is a precise and demanding exploration of the director's creative process. The book is richly illustrated with diagrams and drawings sketched by the author and is inspiring in its simplicity and imaginative freedom. Tumanishvili is acknowledged worldwide as a great director, but he was also a great teacher of directing. His unique book takes the reader through a the directing process from start to finish with precision, clarity, insight and imagination. Tumanishvili's vision, breadth of knowledge will be a source of inspiration to all.