ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the Anglo-American perspective that tends to frame Thomas Ostermeier's work as that of a directorial auteur likewise misses the crucial tenets and core values of his work. It examines Ostermeier's directorial approach to some fundamental principles which he already articulated way back in 1998. The book argues the fundamental role of theatre in our culture is to tell stories about us, about our lives, about our problems, about our society. It gives insights into the (after-) life of Ostermeier's production of Ibsen's Ein Volksfeind from the points of view of the dramaturg, the actors, the assistant director and other artists involved. The book follows the production's trajectory from its Avignon premiere in July 2012 around the world and back to Berlin, through three theatre seasons until its 131st performance in the summer of 2015.
