Mitchell Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Eva Urban has published her latest book La Philosophie des Lumières dans le Théâtre Breton: Tradition et Influences (Enlightenment Philosophy in Breton Theatre: Tradition and Influences) (Rennes: TIR Université de Rennes 2, 2019, 108 p)  

This monograph, published in French, explores the rich tradition of an Enlightenment theatre in Brittany and in the Breton language. This practice, initially conceived for the entertainment and education of citizens, continues, for example, with the multilingual work and international co-productions of the contemporary Breton theatre company Teatr Piba.  

The book examines the links between this theatre, Enlightenment thought, notions of wisdom, cosmopolitanism and literary romanticism and unearths the ways in which these ideas are reflected in Celtic and international legends and in Breton mystery plays. 

It also offers a detailed analysis of a trilogy of history plays by Per-Jakez Helias: Planedenn Gralon Meur/Le Jeu de Gradlon/The Gradlon Play (1950), Ar Roue Kado/Le Roi Kado/King Kado (1960) and An Isild a-Heul/Yseult Seconde/Iseult the Second (1969). These plays dissect the political, social, cultural, and religious dynamics of conflict. They integrate and deconstruct the themes of Celtic legends and ancient mystery plays while offering a path towards moral philosophy. 

You can find out more and purchase the book here. 

Find out more about Eva’s research here.