Synopses & Reviews
At the turn of the century, there appeared in the Western world a stream of literary and dramatic works that confused their audiences to an unprecedented degree. Many of these works continue to confuse to this day and are avoided by theatre managers wishing to fill seats. Choosing for analysis a selection of five early-twentieth-century Russian plays, this book examines in detail the techniques, devices, and elements that the playwrights applied in order to undercut the traditional dramatic and theatrical expectations of their audiences.
Kot studies experimental dramas by Gippius, Sologub, Blok, and Ivanov, but the centerpiece of the book is Chekhov's Cherry Orchard his last and greatest play. Kot argues that it presents a subtle balance of distancing and emotive techniques.
An invaluable guide to the often bewildering nature of so-called "innovative" twentieth-century works, this book will appeal to anyone interested in modern theater.
Synopsis
At the turn of the century, there appeared in the Western world a stream of literary and dramatic works that confused their audiences to an unprecedented degree. Many of these works continue to confuse to this day and are avoided by theatre managers wishing to fill seats. Choosing for analysis a selection of five early-twentieth-century Russian plays, this book examines in detail the techniques, devices, and elements that the playwrights applied in order to undercut the traditional dramatic and theatrical expectations of their audiences
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-161) and index.
About the Author
Kot is an associate professor of Russian literature at Northern Illinois University.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter One Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard
Chapter Two Zinaida Gippius's Holy Blood
Chapter Three Fedor Sologub's The Triumph of Death
Chapter Four Aleksandr Blok's The Puppet Show
Chapter Five Viacheslav Ivanov's Tantalus
Conclusion
Notes
Works Cited
Index