Albee: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Plays in Production

by Stephen J. Bottoms

This is a detailed study of one of the most important plays in contemporary theatre, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, by Edward Albee. In this fascinating look at the modern stage, Stephen Bottoms draws on original archival material and sources including an exclusive interview with Edward Albee. The Introduction considers the text of the play itself; part one provides a survey of the major productions from 1962 to 1999, with special attention paid to the premiere and the 1966 film version. Part two examines shifting critical responses to the play, demonstrating how changing times and attitudes have altered audience perception of performances. The third and final part offers a detailed examination of five different performances, comparing and contrasting directorial, design and acting approaches to demonstrate how our understanding of the play alters considerably according to its interpretation on stage.

Genres: Plays

220 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2000

About the author

Stephen J. Bottoms is Professor of Contemporary Theatre and Performance at the University of Manchester, where he is also currently Head of Subject for Drama. Previously he taught at the University of Leeds (2005–12) and the University of Glasgow (1993–2005). He is a theatre maker and critic.

Reviews

[Mag · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's pronounced "ahl-bee" not "al-bee". he told me.

[Tim Koh]

Very useful and informative guide about the various critical approaches, productions, and interpretations of the great American play.

[Tanzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Albee's portrayal of a middle aged couple's sorrow of losing their child many years back is bitter sweet to describe in a few words. Good read for everyone but it requires an interest in life's morbidity and subtlety. It is an interesting read for matured minds to understand the loss of a child and to grasp the idea of a couple trying to keep their child alive through their stories.