The Shakespearean Dramaturg A Theoretical and Practical Guide

by Hartley, Andrew James

• ISBN13: 9781403970060
• ISBN10: 1403970068
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-11-05
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

This book marries a theoretical analysis of the issues underlying the role of the dramaturg with a thorough sense of the material conditions of theatrical production, from script editing and rehearsal room interactions to the preparation of program notes and audience lectures. Central to the project is a notion of authority defined not by text or author, but by the theatre itself. The result is a guide for the prospective dramaturg which also provides for the more general reader a unique case study of the nexus between the methods and assumptions of literary criticism and those of practical theatre.

Author Biography

Andrew James Hartley is Associate Professor of English at University of West Georgia.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction: The Shakespeare Police	1	(8)
PART I PRINCIPLES	9	(64)
Section I The Shakespearean Dramaturg: A Job Description	15	(14)
Section II Dramaturgical Issues: The Theory	29	(44)
1 Theatrical Collaboration and the Construction of Meaning	31	(4)
2 The Text/Performance Relationship	35	(8)
3 Adaptation and Authenticity	43	(3)
4 "As It Was Originally Done": The Logic Behind Historical Reconstruction	46	(5)
5 The Nature and Use-Value of History	51	(5)
6 Ambiguity and Polyvocality in the Plays	56	(3)
7 Authorship, Authority, and Authorization	59	(6)
8 Different Languages	65	(5)
9 Why Stage Shakespeare?	70	(3)
PART II PRACTICE	73	(142)
Section III Before Rehearsals	75	(74)
10 Preliminaries, Casting, and Directorial Vision	76	(12)
11 Thinking About Script	88	(7)
12 Preparing the Script	95	(20)
13 Script-Editing Examples	115	(34)
Section IV During Rehearsals	149	(32)
14 Degree and Nature of Involvement	151	(2)
15 Tools of the Trade and Research Packets	153	(7)
16 Knowing Your Audience: Talking to Directors, Talking to Actors	160	(5)
17 The Dramaturg in Rehearsal: A Temporal Breakdown	165	(16)
Section V Opening and Beyond	181	(34)
18 Writing for the Audience (Synopses and Program Notes)	183	(9)
19 Program Essay Examples	192	(13)
20 Talking to the Audience	205	(4)
21 The Dramaturg as Advocate	209	(3)
22 Evaluating and Sharing your Experience	212	(3)
Notes	215	(12)
Works Cited	227	(3)
Further Reading	230	(2)
Index	232