The Routledge Companion to Jacques Lecoq

The Routledge Companion to Jacques Lecoq presents a thorough overview and analysis of Jacques Lecoqs life work and philosophy of theatre. Through an exemplary collection of specially commissioned chapters from leading writers specialists and practitioners it draws together writings and reflections on his pedagogy his practice and his influence on the wider theatrical environment. It is a comprehensive guide to the work and legacy of one of the major figures of Western theatre in the second half of the twentieth century. In a four-part structure over fifty chapters the book examines: The historical artistic and social context out of which Lecoqs work and pedagogy arose and its relation to such figures as Jacques Copeau Antonin Artaud Jean-Louis Barrault and Dario Fo. Core themes of Lecoqs International School of Theatre such as movement play improvisation masks language comedy and tragedy investigated by former teachers and graduates of the School. The significance and value of his pedagogical approaches in the context of contemporary theatre practices. The diaspora of performance practice from the School from the perspective of many of the most prominent artists themselves. This is an important and authoritative guide for anyone interested in Lecoqs work.