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Overview
In The Art of the Playwright, William Packard examines the craft in a way that will illuminate theatre for both aspiring playwrights and theatre-goers. He describes the practical art of how plays are made, how to use actions and on-stage visuals, and how to approach the appropriate development of character, dialogue, motifs, plots, and conflicts. He unites theory and practice, giving fresh expression and real relevance to the most important principles of dramatic action.The practical craft of how plays are made: character development, plot, dialogue, on-stage visuals, and more.
Synopsis
In The Art of the Playwright, William Packard examines the craft in a way that will illuminate theatre for both aspiring playwrights and theatre-goers. He describes the practical art of how plays are made, how to use actions and on-stage visuals, and how to approach the appropriate development of character, dialogue, motifs, plots, and conflicts. He unites theory and practice, giving fresh expression and real relevance to the most important principles of dramatic action.
Library Journal
Playwright Packard ( The Art of Screenwriting) describes well how plays are made and how to develop characters, dialogue, themes, plots, and conflicts. Each chapter deals with a single aspect of playwrighting, includes well-chosen scenes from classic plays, and ends with a brief piece of advice, etc. The book, however, is too brief, and Packard tends to oversimplify very complex issues. Still, an excellent introduction to playwrighting for both aspiring writers and theatergoers; a good companion to Simon Gray's An Unnatural Pursuit and Other Pieces (LJ 2/15/86). Daniel J. Lombardo, Jones Lib., Inc., Amherst, Mass.