The Necessity of Theater
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The Necessity of Theater by Paul Woodruff
What is unique and essential about theatre? What separates it from other arts? Do we need 'theatre' in some fundamental way? The art of theatre, as Paul Woodruff says in this elegant and unique book, is as necessary-and as powerful-as language itself. Defining theatre broadly, including sporting events and social rituals, he treats traditional theatre as only one possibility in an art that-at its most powerful-can change lives and (as some peoples believe) bring a divine presence to earth. The Necessity of Theater analyzes the unique power of theatre by separating it into the twin arts of watching and being watched, practiced together in harmony by watchers and the watched. Whereas performers practice the art of being watched-making their actions worth watching, and paying attention to action, choice, plot, character, mimesis, and the sacredness of performance space-audiences practice the art of watching: paying close attention. A good audience is emotionally engaged as spectators; their engagement takes a form of empathy that can lead to a special kind of human wisdom. As Plato implied, theatre cannot teach us transcendent truths, but it can teach us about ourselves. Characteristically thoughtful, probing, and original, Paul Woodruff makes the case for theatre as a unique form of expression connected to our most human insticts. The Necessity of Theater should appeal to anyone seriously interested or involved in theatre or performance more broadly.
Woodruff approaches theatre not just as a philosopher but also, refreshingly, as a passionate audience member* Samantha Ellis, Times Literary Supplement *
Paul Woodruff is Professor of Philosophy at University of Texas, Austin. He is also the author of Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue (OUP 2001) and First Democracy: The Challenge of an Ancient Idea (OUP 2005).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780195332001 |
| ISBN 10 | 0195332008 |
| Title | The Necessity of Theater |
| Author | Paul Woodruff |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press Inc |
| Year published | 2008-05-01 |
| Number of pages | 272 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |