Mis-Directing the Play: An Argument Against Contemporary Theatre

by Terry McCabe

Terry McCabe challenges the notion that a play is the director's vehicle for self-exprssion, arguing that the idea of the director as centerpiece of the theatre tends to distort plays and oppress actors.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2001

Reviews

[Eliot Fiend]

okay, terry mccabe is probably not someone i would want to talk to at a party. his argument against 'contemporary theatre' is also really about egoism among directors and what the director's role should and should not be...it's a somewhat static view of how theatre works but i think he makes some good points and it's a worthwhile read, even to find yourself diametrically opposed.

[Alicia Grega]

There's a great idea here but I didn't get much more out of this book than it's thesis. Okay, so now what. I guess that is for we artists to figure out?

[Matt Masino]

boy this guy HATES dramaturgs

[Laurie]

Although Mr. McCabe frames his book as a reaction against the abuses of contemporary theater directors, who make the play about what THEY want it to mean, rather than serving the playwright's intentions--this book is actually a very good overview of what it means to be a director, and I would recommend it as an introduction to the craft. Only the chapter on working with a playwright on a new play is a bit esoteric for a novice. Otherwise, there is much solid material here from which to learn.

[Kyle]

This is an absolutely solid, logical, precise manual on how to not direct a play.

If you are an actor, a playwright, or a director of theatre, read this book now. It will strengthen your theatrical chutzpah ten-fold!

In fact, I will lend it to you.