Routledge Performance Practitioners Series

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.

Frantic Assembly

by Mark Evans and Mark Smith

Published 30 May 2021

Frantic Assembly have had a powerful and continuing influence on the popularisation of devising practices in contemporary theatre-making. Their work blends brave and bold physical theatre with exciting new writing, and they have collaborated with some of the leading theatre-makers in the UK. The company’s impact reaches throughout the world, particularly through their extensive workshop and education programmes, as well as their individual and collective impact as movement directors on landmark, internationally successful productions such as Black Watch and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

This volume reveals the background to, and work of, a major influence on twentieth and twenty-first century performance. Frantic Assembly is the first book to combine:

an overview of the history of the company since its foundation in 1994
an analysis of the key ideas underpinning the company’s work
a critical commentary on two key productions – Hymns by Chris O’Connell (1999) and Stockholm by Bryony Lavery (2007)
a detailed description of a Frantic Assembly workshop, offering an introduction to how the company works.

As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners offer unbeatable value for today’s student.