This volume offers a concise guide to the teaching and philosophy of one of the most significant figures in twentieth century actor training. Jacques Lecoq's influence on the theatre of the latter half of the twentieth century cannot be overestimated.

THE LIFE OF JACQUES LECOQ Jacques Lecoq (1921–99) Jacques Lecoq: actor, director and teacher Jacques Lecoq and the Western tradition of actor training Jacques Lecoq: the body and culture Summary and conclusion THE TEXTS OF JACQUES LECOQ Lecoq’s pedagogy: from practice to principles (and back) Acting for the theatre of the future End words TRACES OF JACQUES LECOQ: THÉÂTRE DE COMPLICITÉ’S STREET OF CROCODILES AND THE WORK OF MUMMENSCHANZ The case of Théâtre de Complicité The Street of Crocodiles The case of Mummenschanz PRACTICAL EXERCISES Aims Background and context Approach Preparatory exercises I push . . . I pull: towards the dynamics of melodrama I am pushed . . . I am pulled: towards the dynamics of tragedy I push myself . . . I pull myself: towards the dynamics of commedia dell’arte Debrief CONCLUSION