Overview

Here is a book that briefly guides the reader through the history of the European theatre, pointing out the important tradition embodied in farce and its humble performers. The emphasis is upon the discussion of actual farce-texts, which range from Plautus to Stoppard, from fairground knockabout to the well-oiled machines of Labiche and Feydeau. Theory is illuminated by analysis of the mechanical structures of the plays themselves. Psychological theories of laughter and joking are also brought to bear upon the current trend as ""social therapy for over-civilized societies.""

Full Product Details

9780765808875

Table of Contents

Reviews

Farce is a welcome and uniquely recommended contribution to both Literary Criticism and Culture Studies reference collections and supplementary reading lists.- --Library Bookwatch

Farce is a welcome and uniquely recommended contribution to both Literary Criticism and Culture Studies reference collections and supplementary reading lists. --Library Bookwatch

Author Information

Jessica Milner Davis is professor of Communications at the University of New South Wales in Australia

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