Over the last forty years, French director Ariane Mnouchkine and her theater collective, Le Theatre du Soleil, have devised a form of research and creation that is both engaged with contemporary history and committed to reinvigorating theater by focusing on the actor. Now revised and reissued, this volume combines: an overview of Mnouchkine's life, work and theatrical influences an exploration of her key ideas on theater and the creative process analysis of key productions, including her early and groundbreaking environmental political piece, 1789, and the later Asian-inspired play penned by Helene Cixous, Drums on the Dam. practical exercises, including tips on mask work. As a first step toward critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners offer unbeatable value for today's student.