Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction
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Author Description
The story of modern drama is a tale of extremes, testing both audiences and actors to their limits through hostility and contrarianism. Spanning 1880 to the present, Kirsten E. Shepherd-Barr shows how truly international a phenomenon modern drama has become, and how vibrant and diverse in both text and performance. This Very Short Introduction explores the major developments of modern drama, covering two decades per chapter, from early modernist theatre through post-war developments to more recent and contemporary theatre. Shepherd-Barr tracks the emergence of new theories from the likes of Brecht and Beckett alongside groundbreaking productions to illuminate the fascinating evolution of modern drama. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This text investigates how modern drama evolved from 1880 to the present as a global phenomenon defined by its contrarian nature and experimental performance techniques. Kirsten E. Shepherd-Barr, a scholar of theater and performance, utilizes a chronological framework to analyze the shift from early modernist theater to contemporary productions. She argues that the history of modern drama is characterized by a persistent tension between the audience and the performer, driven by evolving theoretical frameworks and radical shifts in staging.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A chronological survey of theatrical developments from 1880 to the present day.
- Analysis of major theoretical influences including Brecht and Beckett.
- Examination of the international expansion of dramatic forms.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive catalog of every playwright or production within the period.
- It does not focus on the technical mechanics of stagecraft or acting pedagogy.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and educators frequently cite this work as a concise, accessible entry point for students and general readers interested in theater history. Experts highlight the author's ability to synthesize complex theoretical movements into a manageable and coherent narrative structure.
Page Count:
152
Publication Date:
2016-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191636126
ISBN-13:
9780191636127
Non-Fiction
Drama
Humanities
Theatre
Special Topics
Theater History
Literary Criticism
