Looking for the Theatre

I believe that what feeds the work of the theatre is first of all the theatre itself. It is discovery, adventure. It is 'looking for' the theatre. In the history of the theatre, what nourishes me is the questioning, the discoveries, the illuminations of the people of the theatre who have preceeded us, their desires...In the case of Copeau, for example, it is his desire which is very interesting, and very beautiful, more so certainly than what he was in fact able to achieve...Is it really the countryside which fed Monet's poppyfield, or is it really painting which discovers, which truly reveals the field of poppies? In the process of rehearsal I look for the theatre, second by second, and when it appears, truly appears, it is undeniable. - Ariane Mnouchkine