Satire: Theatrical Satire In The Age Of Walpole (Forms of Drama)

By: Joel Schechter

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Synopsis: Satire reconsiders the entertainment, political dissent and comic social commentary created by innovative writers and directors since this theatrical form took the stage in ancient Athens. From Aristophanes to the 18th-century plays of John Gay and Henry Fielding, to the creations of Joan Littlewood, Bertolt Brecht, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Erika Mann, Brendan Behan and Dario Fo, practitioners of theatrical satire have prompted audiences to laugh at corruption, greed, injustice and abusive authority.In the theatre these artists jested at prominent citizens, scandals and fashions. In retrospect it can be seen that their topical references, allegories and impersonations also promoted intervention in public discourse and events outside the theatre, as satire extended its reach beyond the stage into society.Satire focuses on three exemplary satiric plays: The Knights by Aristophanes, The Beggar's Opera by John Gay and The Hostage by Brendan Behan under Joan Littlewood's direction. Detailed discussion of these three innovative works reveals both changes and continuities in stage satire over the course of its long, hilarious history. The survey concludes with a discussion of stage satire as an endangered art in need of preservation by actors, directors and theatre historians.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
Book Size:: 288 Pages
ISBN-13:: 9781350140097
Related ISBNs:: 9781350140073
Publisher:: Bloomsbury Publishing
Date of Addition:: 07/14/21
Copyrighted By:: Joel Schechter
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Nonfiction, Art and Architecture, Literature and Fiction, Drama, Plays and Theater, Language Arts, Humor
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.