L'art de la mise en scène: Essai d'esthétique théâtrale

The author examines stagecraft as an art distinct from but intertwined with dramatic writing, arguing that mise en scène goes far beyond costumes and spectacle to encompass decisions about decoration, perspective, stage mechanics, lighting, acoustics, casting, rehearsals, movement, figuration and costume design. He outlines practical stages from role distribution and model-making to partial and full rehearsals and the general rehearsal, then limits the study to theatrical aesthetics, setting out general principles and particular laws that govern how representations produce pathos and beauty. The work follows an aesthetic, speculative method and acknowledges practical influences from contemporary theatrical practice.