Synopses & Reviews
Reaching back in time and across the world,
The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre, an authoritative and lavishly illustrated new history, celebrates the stage's greatest achievements over 4,500 years, from festival performances in ancient Egypt to international, multicultural drama in the late twentieth century, and from Sophocles and Aristophanes to George Gershwin and Harold Pinter. Here are the playwrights, plays, actors, directors, producers, songwriters, famous playhouses, dramatic movements, and more, accessibly and attractively arranged so that everyone with a passion for the stage can follow the glorious procession of this triumphant art throughout history and across cultures.
Beginning with the origins of theatre in Greece and Rome and in the early civilizations of Africa and the Americas, The Oxford Illustrated History of the Theatre guides readers through the full spectrum of dramatic representation--from medieval mystery cycles and miracle plays to the Renaissance in Italy, Spain, England, and France; from Calderon, Shakespeare, and Moliere to Tennessee Williams, Oscar Hammerstein, and Samuel Beckett; and from the Golden Age in Spain to the Dadaist movement and avant-garde. The distinguished contributors highlight what is most vital and defining about the theatre in any given period and uncover the means by which these distinctive achievements were created. Throughout, the book illuminates the theatre's changing role within society, the reasons for the popularity or failure of a given production or trend, and the interplay between the theatre and other forms of art and with contemporary thought. It also gives due weight to how the scene backstage evolved through the centuries--the role of musicians, light, sound, and equipment, and the art of set design--and to the crucial role of the audience and critics. Finally, there are stimulating essays on the history of Asian theatre and a concluding account of theatre since 1970 by editor John Russell Brown that highlights the contributions of our best-loved contemporary playwrights, directors, and lyricists.
Spectacular color and black-and-white illustrations throughout bring the very visual nature of theatre to life, serving as dramatic accompaniment to the text. The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre is an essential source of reference for anyone interested in the stage, from students and teachers to seasoned professionals and starry-eyed fans.
Review
"This wonderful resource provides a wide variety of information from basic theatre chronology to detailed analyses of several well-known and important plays and playwrights.... The numerous photographs (many in color) bring the discussion to life."--School Library Journal
"Composed of 13 separate essays by 16 authors, traces the development of the theater chronologically and coherently."--The Economist
"Well-written, utterly absorbing, this general history of theater provides a remarkably comprehensive overview of world theater."--Booklist
"Excellent...Highly recommended for all academic and large public libraries."--Library Journal
"This is a handsome volume, and Brown has done an admirable job of blending the views and expertise of the different contributors. Highly readable and highly recommended."--Stage Directions
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 547-558) and index.
Synopsis
The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre, an authoritative and lavishly illustrated new history, celebrates the stage's greatest achievements over 4,500 years, from festival performances in ancient Egypt to international, multicultural drama in the late twentieth century, and from Sophocles and Aristophanes to George Gershwin and Harold Pinter.
Here are the playwrights, plays, actors, directors, producers, songwriters, famous playhouses, dramatic movements, and more, accessibly and attractively arranged so that everyone with a passion for the stage can follow the glorious procession of this triumphant art throughout history and across cultures. The Oxford Illustrated History of the Theatre guides readers through the full spectrum of dramatic representation as well as giving due weight to how the scene backstage evolved through the centuries--the role of musicians, light, sound, and equipment, and the art of set design--and to the crucial role of the audience and critics. Finally, there are stimulating essays on the history of Asian theater and a concluding account of theater since 1970 by editor John Russell Brown that highlights the contributions of our best-loved contemporary playwrights, directors, and lyricists.
Spectacular illustrations throughout bring the very visual nature of theater to life, serving as dramatic accompaniment to the text. The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre is an essential source of reference for anyone interested in the stage, from students and teachers to seasoned professionals and starry-eyed fans.
About the Author
About the Editor: John Russell Brown is Professor of Theatre at the University of Michigan and was for fifteen years Associate of the National Theatre in London. He has written numerous books and directed plays for professional and student companies around the world.
Table of Contents
Introduction
PART ONE: THE FIRST THEATRES
Greek Theatre
Theatre in Roman and Christian Europe
Beginnings of Theatre in Africa and the Americas
PART TWO: THEATRE IN EUROPE FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO 1700
Italian Renaissance Theatre
Spanish Renaissance Theatre
English Renaissance and Restoration Theatre
French Renaissance and Neo-Classical Theatre
PART THREE: EUROPEAN AND WESTERN THEATRES FROM 1700
Eighteenth-Century Theatre
Nineteenth-Century Theatre
Modern Theatre: 1890-1920
Theatre after Two World Wars
PART FOUR: WORLD THEATRE
Oriental Theatres - South Asian Theatres, East Asian Theatres, South-East Asian Theatres
Theatre since 1970
Chronology
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Illustrations Sources
Index