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The Theory of the Theatre
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1910
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About the author
Clayton Meeker Hamilton
86 books1 followerClayton Meeker Hamilton (1881 - 1946) was an American drama critic.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 21, 2013
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This being a favorite subject of mine to read upon, found this volume to be very insightful. I even learned a few things along the way of this read. This book was published in the last 1970’s, but all the information provided, still stands to this day seeing as theater is a solid, yet ever changing passion. There is a lot of history delivered in this book, explaining different styles, difference between types of stage plays, and the difference between a playwright and dramatist. It also explicates the significance of the difference of literature and theater that the student who reads this book needs to clearly
understands. It points out that not all plays are written in correct dialogue, and that there are even plays that are performed with no words at all, such as an old play in New York called ‘La Main’ which enthralled its audience for 45 minutes of not a single word spoken. It relied completely on visual means.
The book enlightens the reader of different types of plays, such as Shakespearean and the 16th century Italian based type of stage play called Commedia Dell’arte. Actors who were involved with Commedia Dell’arte, would consult each other before every scenario, and discuss a plot, but as soon as they stepped onto the stage, it was pure improvising, making it unique and spontaneous entertainment.
If you are a true lover of the Performing Arts, I highly recommend this book to you. This book is chock full of other history of famous Acts and Writer and Actors, and I believe your heart will grow even more fond of this beautiful passion after completing this read and absorb more of an understanding and insight of stage science and stage play art of our history.
This being a favorite subject of mine to read upon, found this volume to be very insightful. I even learned a few things along the way of this read. This book was published in the last 1970’s, but all the information provided, still stands to this day seeing as theater is a solid, yet ever changing passion. There is a lot of history delivered in this book, explaining different styles, difference between types of stage plays, and the difference between a playwright and dramatist. It also explicates the significance of the difference of literature and theater that the student who reads this book needs to clearly
understands. It points out that not all plays are written in correct dialogue, and that there are even plays that are performed with no words at all, such as an old play in New York called ‘La Main’ which enthralled its audience for 45 minutes of not a single word spoken. It relied completely on visual means.
The book enlightens the reader of different types of plays, such as Shakespearean and the 16th century Italian based type of stage play called Commedia Dell’arte. Actors who were involved with Commedia Dell’arte, would consult each other before every scenario, and discuss a plot, but as soon as they stepped onto the stage, it was pure improvising, making it unique and spontaneous entertainment.
If you are a true lover of the Performing Arts, I highly recommend this book to you. This book is chock full of other history of famous Acts and Writer and Actors, and I believe your heart will grow even more fond of this beautiful passion after completing this read and absorb more of an understanding and insight of stage science and stage play art of our history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review