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"The French Writer, Editor, and Drama critic Jacques Copeau (1879-1949) opened his Theatre du Vieux-Colombier in Paris in 1913. Copeau was well on his way to exerting a major influence in the theater in the year that saw the end of the career of the dominant innovator of an earlier generation, Andre Antoine, whose Theatre Libre (Free Stage) had featured an uncompromising realism. Ruinously realistic extravaganzas of Shakespeare and Moliere had doomed Antoine."--BOOK JACKET. "In marked contrast to Antoine, Copeau returned the poetry and freshness to Shakespeare and Moliere. By May 1914, Paris and Europe had recognized his genius and his special gift to the theater. Yet like Antoine, Copeau wanted to sweep "staginess" from the stage, to banish overacting, overdressing, and flashy house trappings. To cleanse the stage of its artificiality, he created a fixed, architectural acting space where dramatic literature and theater technique could live in harmony and thrive in freedom of thought and movement. A major part of his program was teaching actors and actresses their craft."--BOOK JACKET. "Kurtz here re-creates the vitality Copeau imbued in theater artists throughout the world. He conveys Copeau's enthusiasm, the crusading spirit that enabled Copeau and his Theatre du Vieux-Colombier to transform experimentation into tradition, into the heritage of civilization. He has written a biography of a theater that was tremendously influential in Europe and America."--BOOK JACKET.
This biography examines the life and theatrical innovations of Jacques Copeau, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century French theater. Maurice Kurtz details Copeau's founding of the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier in 1913, contrasting his approach with the dominant realism of his predecessor, André Antoine. The book explores Copeau's efforts to restore poetry and freshness to classic plays, his commitment to removing theatrical artifice, and his dedication to training actors. It highlights Copeau's significant influence on theater in Europe and America, transforming experimental practices into enduring traditions.
This biography is recognized for its detailed re-creation of the vitality Copeau imbued in theater artists worldwide. It effectively conveys Copeau's enthusiasm and crusading spirit, showcasing how he transformed experimentation into tradition. The work is noted for its comprehensive account of a theater that profoundly influenced both European and American stages. It serves as a significant contribution to the history of modern theater.
Page Count:
181
Publication Date:
1999-01-01
ISBN-10:
0809322579
ISBN-13:
9780809322572
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