The magic world behind the curtain

This study examines theatre director Andrei Serban in the United States from his early work at the Cafe La MaMa in the 1970s to his last production at the American Repertory Theatre in 1989 - a dark treatment of Twelfth Night. Drawing upon interviews with many theatre artists, a firsthand viewing of many of the plays, and including a special chapter on observing Twelfth Night in rehearsal at A.R.T., this is the first time the body of work and creative process of Serban in the American theatre has been significantly documented. Since coming to this country from Romania in 1969, Andrei Serban has emerged as one of the most prominent visionary directors of the contemporary American theatre. Known for his provocative visual imagery and his limitless imagination, this book emphasizes his re-interpretation of classical works such as Greek tragedy, Chekhov, and Carlo Gozzi.