Theatre Theory Theatre

The major critical texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Syinka and Havel. The best available collection of theoretical writing on the theatre from both the Eastern and Western traditions.

Library Journal

There are many collections of literary theory, including several good ones on ancient and modern drama. This anthology stands out in the field because it attempts to be culturally inclusive rather than strictly Western European in its content. A healthy introduction and good header essays frame classical Indian commentary on Sanskrit drama, a Japanese piece on No- plays, and a selection from Wole Soyinka's essay on African theater, as well as recent theoretical writings from Augusto Boal and Vaclav Havel from the West. Most of the rest of the selections are familiar. There are a few surprises, such as Adam Mickiewicz on Slavic drama and F.T. Marinetti on the Variety Theatre. One quibbles: Several of the translations are old, dating from anywhere between 1687 and 1920; there must be more recent renderings in the public domain. Though the book's inclusiveness is to be commended, all but four selections are from the Western tradition, so, ultimately, its cultural breadth is limited. Recommended for academic libraries and specialized collections.--Thomas E. Luddy, Salem State Coll., MA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\