Backwards and Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays

by Ball, David

• ISBN13: 9780809311101
• ISBN10: 0809311100
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1983-07-07
• Publisher: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY PRESS
• More Book Details

About This Book

Backwards & Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays

ISBN: 9780809311101

About This Book

"Backwards & Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays" by David Ball is a comprehensive guide that has been a cornerstone in the field of script analysis for over thirty-five years. This book is an essential resource for students and practitioners of both theater and literature, offering a unique approach to understanding the craft of playwriting.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and instructors in script analysis classes, as well as by actors, directors, designers, and production specialists who want to deepen their understanding of dramatic works. It's also valuable for anyone interested in dramatic narratives, including writers and readers who want to enhance their appreciation of plays.

History and Editions

First published in 1983 by Southern Illinois University Press, "Backwards & Forwards" has remained a trusted resource in the theatrical community. The book's method was developed during David Ball's work as the literary director at the Guthrie Theater, where he observed the techniques playwrights use to make their plays stageworthy. The text is full of tools for investigating plot, character, theme, exposition, imagery, conflict, and theatricality.

Author and Other Works

David Ball is the author of "Backwards & Forwards." His writing style is straightforward and clever, making complex concepts accessible to readers. This book is often recommended alongside other essential texts in the field of playwriting and script analysis.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Tools: The book provides detailed tools for analyzing plays, including guides for discovering the playwright's most important elements.
• Illustrative Examples: Using Shakespeare's "Hamlet" as an illustration, Ball clarifies script-reading techniques and avoids common misinterpretations.
• Theatrical Utility: It is of immense utility to those who want to put plays on the stage (actors, directors, designers, production specialists) and also serves as a fine playwriting manual.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780809311101
• Other Editions: While there are no other editions listed, the book remains a first edition.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Publication Date: July 7, 1983
• Number of Pages: 112 pages
• Language: English

Other Formats and Sources

Since this book is primarily available in paperback format, there are no other formats listed. However, it is widely available through various retailers and can be purchased new or used.

Related ISBNs:

Since there are no other ISBNs for different formats of this book, the primary ISBN (9780809311101) remains the key identifier.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "Backwards & Forwards," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

David Ball is Professor of playwriting, acting, theater history, and literature at Carnegie-Mellon University and Artistic Director, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Stage Company. He has published two plays, Assassin! and an adaptation of Woyzeck, and has written and directed more than one hundred plays in professional, academic, and community theaters.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Introduction	3	(4)
Part One: Shape	7	(30)
1. What Happens That Makes Something Else Happen?	9	(3)
2. And What Happens Next?	12	(3)
3. But Do It Backwards	15	(4)
4. Stasis and Intrusion	19	(6)
5. Obstacle, Conflict	25	(7)
6. Ignorance Is Bliss	32	(3)
7. Things Theatrical	35	(2)
Part Two: Methods	37	(42)
8. Exposition	39	(6)
9. Forwards: Hungry for Next	45	(15)
10. Missing Persons (Character)	60	(8)
11. Image	68	(8)
12. Theme	76	(3)
Part Three: Tricks of the Trade	79
13. Background Information	81	(2)
14. Trusting the Playwright	83	(2)
15. Families	85	(1)
16. Generalities: Mood, Atmosphere	86	(1)
17. The Unique Factor	87	(2)
18. Changing Eras	89	(3)
19. Climax	92	(1)
20. Beginnings/Endings	93	(1)
21. Rereading	94	(1)
22. What Next?	95