Overview

One way or another, all playwrights use their work to explore the issues that interest them. The characters in a play may trumpet their creator's political views from the stage, or an unusual structure or set design may result from the playwright's interest in theatrical form. It is also common, particularly in the plays of the 20th and 21st century, to see a playwright delving into psychological issues raised by his own mental struggles or those of people he loves. Luigi Pirandello, tormented by the schizophrenia of his wife and other family members, repeatedly explored the problems caused by different visions of reality. Noel Coward's self-obsessed characters reflect his own narcissism. Alcoholism is a recurrent theme in the works of many playwrights, including Eugene O'Neill, Edward Albee, and Brian Friel. Through their exploration of these issues and more, the great writers of the theater have turned suffering into art. This book looks at the work of 20 playwrights to see how their examination of the disturbed mind has influenced the modern theater.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Louis DiGaetani
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.286kg
ISBN:  

9780786431571

ISBN 10:   0786431571
Pages:   206
Publication Date:   08 February 2008
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Acknowledgments      Preface      Introduction      1. George Bernard Shaw The Gay Subtext      2. Luigi Pirandello Schizophrenia      3. Noel Coward Narcissism      4. Samuel Beckett Decadence and the Suicidal Impulse      5. Tennessee Williams Sibling Rivalry      6. Eugene O’Neill, Edward Albee, Simon Gray, Brian Friel, Martin McDonagh Alcoholism      7. Harold Pinter Sadomasochism      8. Benjamin Britten Pedophilia      9. Caryl Churchill, Joe Orton, Tom Stoppard Sexual Dysfunction      10. David Hare Transference      11. David Mamet and Harvey Fierstein Gender Roles and Role Playing      12. Stephen Sondheim Perfectionism      13. Tom Stoppard Logomania      14. Stages of Struggle, a Wagnerian Conclusion      Bibliography      Index     

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Author Information

John Louis DiGaetani, professor emeritus of English at Hofstra University, is the author of numerous books about opera and theater.

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