The Dramatic Experience

Professor Styan examines what a play is as well as understanding the dramatist's intentions towards this medium.

John L. Styan (Author), David Gentleman (Illustrated by)

9780521099844, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 October 1975

168 pages
21.8 x 15.6 x 0.9 cm, 0.215 kg

Plays are, of course, meant to be seen, not read, but many people find it impossible to visit the theatre regularly and it is for them that Professor Styan intends this book, originally published in 1965, to promote better understanding of the dramatist's intentions and fuller enjoyment of the play. He defines what a play is and discusses such topics as the development of the theatre - its different stages, kinds of drama and types of character - the tone and tempo in which the play is written, the roles of actor and audience and the structure and interplay of plot and subplot. Charts of theatrical history, a glossary and reading lists, as well as drawings and diagrams by David Gentleman, provide further help for the reader.

Preface
Preface to the paperback edition
1. Seeing and hearing
2. The stage alive
3. Words and voices
4. How real is a character?
5. What's in a plot
6. Comedy, tragedy and the mood of the audience
7. Drama in its medium
Charts of theatrical history
Glossary
Basic reading lists
Index of playwrights and plays
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: plays & playwrights [DSG]