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The Major Critical Texts From Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel Applause

Elliott Carter

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Published in Theatre/Theory/Theatre: The Major Critical Texts From Aristotle And Zeami To Soyinka And Havel (Applause Books)

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Theater criticism is a specialized field of literary criticism that focuses on the analysis and evaluation of theatrical works. It encompasses a wide range of subfields, including dramatic theory, performance studies, and reception theory. The major critical texts in theater criticism have laid the foundations for our understanding of the art form and have shaped the way we think about theater.

Theatre/Theory/Theatre: The Major Critical Texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel (Applause Books)

by Barbara Isenberg

4.8 out of 5

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the major critical texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel Applause. It explores their contributions to the field of theater criticism and their continuing influence on the way we think about theater.

Aristotle's Poetics

Aristotle's Poetics is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory. It was written in the 4th century BC and is considered to be one of the most influential works on theater ever written. In the Poetics, Aristotle analyzes the structure and elements of tragedy, comedy, and epic poetry. He argues that drama is an imitation of life and that it has the power to teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

Aristotle's Poetics has had a profound influence on the development of theater criticism. His ideas about catharsis, plot, and characterization have shaped the way we think about theater for centuries.

Zeami's Fushikaden

Zeami's Fushikaden is a treatise on Noh theater written in the 15th century AD. It is considered to be one of the most important works on Noh theater and has had a major influence on the development of the art form. In the Fushikaden, Zeami discusses the principles of Noh theater, including its aesthetics, its symbolism, and its performance practices.

Zeami's Fushikaden has been translated into many languages and is studied by Noh actors and scholars around the world. It is a valuable resource for understanding the history and development of Noh theater.

Soyinka's A Dance of the Forests

Soyinka's A Dance of the Forests is a play written in 1960. It is considered to be one of the most important works of African theater and has been performed all over the world. In the play, Soyinka explores the themes of colonialism, independence, and the African experience.

Soyinka's A Dance of the Forests has been highly praised by critics for its powerful language, its vivid imagery, and its insightful exploration of African history and culture. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African theater or in the work of Soyinka.

Havel's Applause

Havel's Applause is a play written in 1965. It is considered to be one of the most important works of Czech theater and has been performed all over the world. In the play, Havel explores the themes of totalitarianism, censorship, and the individual's struggle for freedom.

Havel's Applause has been highly praised by critics for its sharp wit, its incisive satire, and its powerful message of hope. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Czech theater or in the work of Havel.

The major critical texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel Applause have shaped the way we think about theater for centuries. These texts have provided us with a framework for analyzing and evaluating theatrical works and have helped us to understand the power of theater to teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

As theater continues to evolve, the major critical texts will continue to be a valuable resource for critics, scholars, and artists alike.

Theatre/Theory/Theatre: The Major Critical Texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel (Applause Books)

by Barbara Isenberg

4.8 out of 5