The Wadsworth Anthology of Drama

by W.B. Worthen (Editor)

Known through three editions as the boldest and most distinguished introduction to drama, William Worthen's pace-setting text continues to provide exciting plays usefully situated within their historical and cultural contexts.

Genres: Theatre, Plays, Drama, Anthologies, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference

1728 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2003

About the author

William B. Worthen has a Ph.D., English literature from the Princeton University and a B.A., summa cum laude, English literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
He has published a number of works with focus on: Drama and performance studies, Modern drama and performance, Shakespeare.
He has received numerous awards and grants.

Reviews

[Greg Kerestan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like an oxymoron to love a textbook, but this is a damn fine textbook. Nearly two thousand pages of essential plays in every genre, from every culture, with essays about acting, writing, directing and producing. Every student of theatre, whether academic or just casual, should pick up this phone-book-sized volume and pore over it like I did.

[Tehilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing and enlightening.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and concise history of theatre. This was actually the text book for my University degree in theatre so obviously holds a lot of information in it.

I think in terms of history of theatre I think you could read any history of theatre and get basically the same information, however this one gives clear examples and also holds full lec=ngth plays in it's pages to read and refer back to. Which is VERY handy.

[Jessica López-Barkl · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in an introductory course of the genre of playwrighting, this is a fabulous beginning. It covers all of the major Western/Eastern seminal works and also has many multi-cultural/revisionist history offerings. I adored teaching with it, and I can't recommend it enough.

[Ricky German · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a ton of drama anthologies. However, I will say that I like this one for two reasons: A) It is a nice collection of important plays from each era in history, B) It gives good context for the shows. Plus, you get lots of good plays. I've definitely referenced this over and over.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Nining Ngadimun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for Drama ENGL 1525 with fabulous Mdm Sheena!

[Nining Ngadimun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extra reading for Drama ENGL 1525.

[Asho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice anthology for use in an introduction to Western theatre class. It's possible to teach almost an entire fairly well-rounded course from this book with just a few additions.