Giorgio Strehler [Paperback]

This detailed study evaluates the particular qualities which typify Strehler's work: the lyrical realism which has become the hallmark of his mature style and his gift of interpretation and production.For at least the last half-century, Strehler has been an influential and integral part of European theatrical life. This detailed study evaluates the particular qualities which typify Strehler's work: the lyrical realism which has become the hallmark of his mature style and his gift of interpretation and production.For at least the last half-century, Strehler has been an influential and integral part of European theatrical life. This detailed study evaluates the particular qualities which typify Strehler's work: the lyrical realism which has become the hallmark of his mature style and his gift of interpretation and production.This is the first book in English on Italy's leading director, Giorgio Strehler. For the past half century, Strehler has been an influential and integral part of European theatrical life as founder of Italy's leading repertory theater, the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, director of the Paris-based Theatre de l'Europe, and through his opera and theater productions. This detailed study evaluates the particular qualities that typify Strehler's work: the lyrical realism that has become the hallmark of his mature style and his gift of interpretation and production. Hirst traces this unique style through Strehler's development and analyzes his productions of Goldoni, Shakespeare, Brecht and Verdi among others.List of illustrations; 1. Towards a theatre of humanity; 2. Strehler's style: lyrical realism; 3. Goldoni, genius at presenting life; 4. Power games: Strehler and Shakespeare; 5. Brecht stopped at Milan; 6. Lyric opera; Chronology; Notes; Select bibliography; Index. David L. Hirst's wholehearted enthusiasm for the work of Giorgio Strehler is infectious. Essays in Theatre