The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre

by Brown, John Russell

• ISBN13: 9780192129970
• ISBN10: 019212997X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-11-09
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

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.

Author Biography

John Russell Brown is Professor of Theatre at the University of Michigan.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The First Theatres

Greek Theatre

Theatre in Roman and Christian Europe

Beginnings of Theatre in Africa and the Americas

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

European And Western Theatres From 1700

Eighteenth-Century Theatre

Nineteenth-Century Theatre

Modern Theatre: 1890-1920

Theatre after Two World Wars

World Theatre

Oriental Theatres - South Asian Theatres, East Asian Theatres, South-East Asian Theatres

Theatre since 1970

Chronology

Further Reading

Acknowledgements

Illustrations Sources

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.