Silviu Purcarete: The master of rich theatre

Abstract

This chapter explores the creative universe of Silviu Purcarete, Romania's most prominent and widely recognised theatre artist. It discusses the key aspects of his creative universe-from his multiple Shakespearean productions to his grandiose version of Faust, from his work in the early 1990s to his recent successes, from an early presence at major European festivals to his current transnational status. Purcarete is not merely a "director" but a true auteur of the contemporary stage. His profile in European culture is that of a visionary who, in the vein of Edward Gordon Craig, aims to free theatre from its two determining bounds: the relative dependence upon the dramatic text and the constant volatility of individual performers. While remaining graceful in his relationship with both the literary sources and his actors, he has been reaffirming his own definition of theatre as a personal journey, a rich, intense experience of discovery and self-discovery.