Overview

Many of the world's greatest dramas have sprung not only from the creative impulses of the authors but also from the time-honored principles of structure and design that have forged those impulses into coherent and powerful insights. An understanding of these principles is essential to the craft of creating and interpreting works of drama for the stage or screen. The Architecture of Drama provides an introduction to these principles, with particular emphasis placed on how a drama's structural elements fit together to create meaningful and entertaining experiences for audiences. The book is arranged into five sections, each dealing with a separate component: · Plot (the selection and arrangement of events in the story) · Character (the choices and actions taken by the people in the plot) · Theme (the artist's point of view on the topic addressed) · Style (the characteristic mode through which the drama expresses itself) · Genre (the type of story being presented) Through a range of examples from Oedipus Rex to The Wizard of Oz, the authors examine these structural building blocks both separately and in their interdependent relationship to one another. Along the way they also illustrate how these principles reflect the innate human need for comprehension and order. The Architecture of Drama provides an accessible, straightforward insight for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of plays and films.

Full Product Details

9780810861299

Table of Contents

Reviews

Because of time restrictions, I rarely review books that I receive. Hoever, The Architecture of Drama approaches the issues of dramamtic writing and production with such clarity and ease I feel obligated to make the theatres of Hampton Roads, where I review national tours, local productions of plays, musicals and operas for WHRO-FM, aware of it....This richly detailed analysis of how dramatic literature is created and moved from page to stage or screen is a standing room only house full of down to earth knowledge. It belongs in all libraries, both personal and public.--Edgar Loessin with Loessin at Large

Because of time restrictions, I rarely review books that I receive. Hoever, The Architecture of Drama approaches the issues of dramamtic writing and production with such clarity and ease I feel obligated to make the theatres of Hampton Roads, where I review national tours, local productions of plays, musicals and operas for WHRO-FM, aware of it...This richly detailed analysis of how dramatic literature is created and moved from page to stage or screen is a standing room only house full of down to earth knowledge. It belongs in all libraries, both personal and public. -- Edgar Loessin with Loessin at Large Enhanced by a comprehensible yet never patronizing style, this title on the technique of drama is recommended to update collections in college and university libraries as well as larger public libraries. Theater instructors should consider this for course adoption. Library Journal Streamlined, readable study...Recommended. Choice, January 2009

Because of time restrictions, I rarely review books that I receive. Hoever, The Architecture of Drama approaches the issues of dramamtic writing and production with such clarity and ease I feel obligated to make the theatres of Hampton Roads, where I review national tours, local productions of plays, musicals and operas for WHRO-FM, aware of it....This richly detailed analysis of how dramatic literature is created and moved from page to stage or screen is a standing room only house full of down to earth knowledge. It belongs in all libraries, both personal and public. -- Edgar Loessin with Loessin at Large, 8/20/08 Enhanced by a comprehensible yet never patronizing style, this title on the technique of drama is recommended to update collections in college and university libraries as well as larger public libraries. Theater instructors should consider this for course adoption. * Library Journal * Streamlined, readable study....Recommended. * CHOICE, January 2009 *

Author Information

David Letwin teaches at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Joe Stockdale is Professor and Dean Emeritus of Theatre and Film, School of the Arts, SUNY, Purchase. Robin Stockdale is a retired columnist for the Pawling News Chronicle.

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