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A Primer of Playwriting
The author discusses human limitations, power of character, wills in conflict, dramatic action, the writing, play structure, and other relevant subjects in this playwriting manual.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 1981
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December 23, 2024
I picked this up at a street fair. Of late I have been a reader of submitted plays, or attending reading with feedback after the performance. It is a good book for me in order to give my feedback with some intelligence and knowledge.
And, if I should ever sit down and write a play, it's good stuff to keep in mind.
Since it's a slim book, I recommend it to any new or old playwright. MacGowan gets down to the nitty gritty and states stuff that is necessary for a play to be stageworthy and interesting. I have read or seen plays that the playwrights could have greatly benefitted from reading this book, or some like it. Plays that are screenplays. Plays that nothing happens in. Plays that bring up a conflict, complication, but skip away from any satisfying climax.
And, if I should ever sit down and write a play, it's good stuff to keep in mind.
Since it's a slim book, I recommend it to any new or old playwright. MacGowan gets down to the nitty gritty and states stuff that is necessary for a play to be stageworthy and interesting. I have read or seen plays that the playwrights could have greatly benefitted from reading this book, or some like it. Plays that are screenplays. Plays that nothing happens in. Plays that bring up a conflict, complication, but skip away from any satisfying climax.
Displaying 1 of 1 review