The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography by Thomas Postlewait

The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography by Thomas Postlewait

This Introduction - an indispensable 'how to' guide for students and teachers alike - investigates the methods and aims of historical study in the performing arts, from archival research to historical writing. Beginning with case studies on Shakespearean theatre and avant-garde theatre, this study examines fundamental procedures and problems in documentary history and cultural history. It demonstrates how historians not only construct various kinds of performance events but also place them in relation to the historical agents, the political and social conditions, artistic traditions, audience responses, and historical periods. Drawing upon scholarship in classics, literary studies, art history, performance studies, and general history, Postlewait shows how to ask appropriate historical questions, construct evidence, use plays as historical documents, eliminate faulty sources, challenge unreliable witnesses, and develop historical arguments and narratives. The book concludes with a survey of the 'twelve cruxes' of research, analysis, and writing in theatre history.

Thomas Postlewait is Professor of Drama at the University of Washington.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521499170
ISBN 10	0521499178
Title	The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography
Author	Thomas Postlewait
Series	Cambridge Introductions To Literature
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2009-04-30
Number of pages	360
Prizes	Short-listed for Theatre Book Prize 2009
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.