Yasmina Reza and Florian Zeller: The Art of Success

This chapter reflects on Yasmina Reza and Florian Zeller’s contribution to contemporary European dramaturgy. It begins by anchoring the writing careers of Reza and Zeller within French theatre history and discourse. The chapter draws out the specific features of their writing in order to investigate their significance on the European stage. Reza and Zeller’s works have been deemed (and proven to be) performable on the British stages because of their broadly naturalist traits and their focus on pan-European issues (couples in crisis, interpreting art, memory, and domestic politics). Moreover, it is certainly the case that success breeds success. Hampton felt a strong affinity with Reza’s work, but it was its success during its Paris run that opened the door to its translation to the London stage. Indeed, both playwrights have arguably enjoyed greater success and renown outside of their own countries; translators, directors, and casts from around Europe have been the mediators of this achievement.