The Cambridge Introduction to Modern British Theatre

Bringing together buildings, people and plays, this Introduction examines the features which characterise modern British theatre, from 1900 to today.

Simon Shepherd (Author)

9780521869867, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 November 2009

268 pages, 20 b/w illus.
23.4 x 15.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.55 kg

British theatre has long been regarded as a world-leader in terms of its quality, creativity and range. Starting in 1900, this book introduces the features that characterise modern and current British theatre. These features include experimental performances under motorways alongside plays by Stoppard and Ayckbourn, amateur theatre and virtual spaces, the emergence of the director, the changing role of writers and political and community shows. The book is clearly divided into four sections: where it happens, who does it, what they make and why they do it. It discusses theatre buildings and theatre which refuses buildings; company organisation, ensembles and collectives, and different sorts of acting. A large section describes the major work done for the stage, from Shaw through to Complicite, via poetic drama, different sorts of realism and documentary drama. The Introduction stands apart from other accounts of modern British theatre by bringing together buildings, people and plays.

Foreword
1. Where it happens: National theatre
Buildings and their people
Against the theatre institution
Shows without theatres
2. Who does it: The organisation of actors and companies
What actors do
Directors
Writers
3. What they make: The readable tradition
Poetic drama
Realisms
Deferring to the real: theatre as document
Cruelties
Other than words
4. Why they do it: Movements and manifestos
Making good theatre
Afterword.

Subject Areas: Theatre: technical & background skills [ANH], Theatre direction & production [ANF], Theatre studies [AN]