Many leading theatre directors have developed theories about the whole notion of “directing”, concerning their aesthetic positions about theatre and its goals. The purpose of this course is to read into these theories, evaluate the relation between them and the productions of these directors and compare the different approaches to directing theatre.

Naturally, considering their influence on the development of modern western theatre, Stanislavski and Brecht will be discussed thoroughly as two opposing poles in the theatrical map. But many other directors will be also present as described here at the subjects of the course. Among other questions that will be raised: body vs. soul as the creative source of the work; presentation and representation – and the tendency after the performative turn to blur the border between them; and the permanent question: what is theatre?