Le jeu expressionniste Les émotions paroxystiques en jeu sur la scène française de la fin du XVIII^e siècle

This article discusses ‘expressionist’ acting in the late 18th century. It claims that actors performed paroxysmal emotions using hysterical gestures and movements. The concept of emotion is examined through the lens of modern criticism, before that of trance and spasms in relation to the medical sciences. Scrutinising how torment, agony, and fright were expressionistically staged sheds new light on theatre practices of the time.