Tom Cruise and Other Animals
Few things are as pleasurable as watching a good movie. However, there are a lot of movies out there - estimated at about half a million - and another 500-odd being produced every year, just by Hollywood. The author has watched hundreds of hours of crap movies, so you don't have to. He has also watched a few good ones. Short, succinct reviews of over 250 movies to help you choose what to watch on a cold winter's night. Or a balmy summer's night. Or day. In fact, whenever you want to watch a movie, curled up on the sofa with a loved one, or your wife or husband. This book could save you ever having to say, 'well that's two hours of my life I won't get back'.
Glowing in the Dark
Get ready for aliens, kaiju, monsters, and movie maniacs galore!From author, editor, amateur film scholar, and skeleton Orrin Grey comes Glowing in the Dark, collecting more than a decade of Grey's best writing on film, from Saturday-matinee schlock to award-winning classics, as he explores the silver screen through insightful reviews and enlightening essays.Titles considered under Grey's lens include The Andromeda Strain, The Dunwich Horror, The Mad Magician, Pacific Rim, Suspiria, Tremors, and many more.As the house lights begin to dim, sit back and get ready to clutch your popcorn. The show is about to begin...
An International Circus Affair
In 1989, the Artistic Director of a San Francisco circus, Judy Finelli, met briefly with Lu Yi, the Director of the Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, in upstate New York. It was, as Judy now calls it, "a moment that changed circus forever." Lu Yi would move to San Francisco to teach the 2000-year-old art of Chinese acrobatics to the jugglers, clowns and aerialists of Judy's 15-year old Pickle Family Circus. This book looks at the 20 years after Lu Yi's arrival and how his acrobatic training and his students' prowess changed San Francisco and Nanjing, as well as circuses around the world, including Cirque du Soleil and The 7 Fingers.
America’s Woman - The Complete Script
Does America's future depend on its past? Will America survive? America's Woman revolves around the mysterious woman, overlooked by historians, who had a profound influence on George Washington, his vision for America and its independence - a vision that could deeply influence the nation's need for healing and unity. A journey into the heart and soul of America's past and future, it is the first film to explore this relationship and its consequences in depth.
Refuge
Four plays that look at our need to have a special place. PP Cranney's Home pits suburban trivialities against the lives of the homeless, and two young refugees; in Stephen House's The Yum Yum Room Tom struggles to find independence while coping with his estranged father and the absence of his mother; In Crowded House, John Romeril takes the search for security into a future dystopia where, in a terrifying twist on survival of the fittest, the young are hunted in the streets; and Chris Thompson's The Bridge movingly explores the adolescent search for belonging.
Into the Upside Down: The Little Guide to Stranger Things
Welcome to the shadowy world of Stranger Things, where the ordinary slips into the extraordinary and secrets lurk in every corner of Hawkins, Indiana. This book is your gateway to the eerie mysteries that haunt the Upside Down, packed with chilling quotes, spine-tingling quips and unsettling facts that breathe life into this Netflix phenomenon. From Eleven's haunting "Friends don't lie" to Dustin's unforgettable "Yeah, science!", each page is steeped in the echoes of laughter and the whispers of fear that have gripped fans from the very beginning. Uncover the dark tales behind the show's creation, explore the trivia that haunts the halls of the Byers' home, and relive the pulse-pounding moments that kept you wide-eyed and breathless. Whether you're a devoted fan who can recount every chilling twist or a curious newcomer ready to step into the unknown, this book is your essential guide to the sinister charm of Hawkins. It's the perfect companion for those late-night binge-watching marathons, where shadows dance on the walls and the thrill of the unknown awaits.Stranger Things is more than just a series; it's a cultural phenomenon that has woven its way into the fabric of our imaginations, drawing us into a world filled with '80s nostalgia, supernatural terror, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that defy all odds. So, are you prepared to venture into the darkness? Grab your copy, keep the lights on and let the eerie allure of Stranger Things pull you deeper into its haunting embrace!
A Theory For All Music
A Theory For All Music describes ways to more deeply understand the music of all cultures and traditions through the study and use of musical parameters. Book One defines the fundamentals of musical theory from music reading to chord analysis.
Hungry Men Don’t Swerve
Hungry Men Don't Swerve takes the reader on a ride from 50-below-zero temperatures in 1980s Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Chicago, Vienna, Minneapolis, London, Washington DC, Nashville, Gaithersburg, Los Angeles, and, ultimately, back to Chicago for the North American premiere of Leonora in 2024. Parker first recorded Leonora off a WFMT broadcast in the winter of 1979-1980. Hungry Men Don't Swerve expands on Parker's 2013 book If you see roadkill, think opera, which was written prior to entering the recording studio for 2013's CD/streaming/download release of A Roadkill Opera. To commemorate the Chicago Opera Theater's 2024 North American premiere of Leonora, Parker prepared the first vinyl release of the 2-disc, 180-gram, gatefold album Roadkill!!! Greatest Hits! The Direct Metal Mastered double LP has the complete 2013 studio recording of A Roadkill Opera on three sides, with the fourth side carrying comedy highlights from the outfit whose true story is told in A Roadkill Opera, the Roadkill On A Stick Frozen Foods Theatre Company (active in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1988-1992).
A Pirate’s History of Doctor Who
What is a Pirate's History? It's the unofficial, unauthorized story of the overlooked corners of the Who Universe. It's the unauthorized history of the unauthorized productions, and the role of fans and fan works. This is a collection of articles and reviews of Doctor Who fan films, including the earliest Super8 home movie efforts beginning in the 60s all the way up to 1979's feature length Ocean in the Sky, to the explosion of fan productions with the introduction of the video-camcorder in the 80s. It's the chronicle of the first woman Doctor, Barbara Benedetti, who starred as the Doctor through four half hour adventures beginning in 1985. There's the BBC's failed attempt to cancel the series in 1984, and their successful effort in 1989 and the impact on the community. Finally, with Doctor Who off the air, there is an explosion of fan films through the 90s, with some of them, including the Timebase and Bedlam series, and productions such as Regenesis, Phase 4, the Millennium Trap, Spectre from the Past, Resurrection of Evil, Time and Again approaching the level of the BBC show.Subsequent volumes explore the issues that lead to a hundred classic episodes being lost, as well as loopholes that allowed fans to save almost all of these episodes as audio tapes, and to eventually create their own reconstructions, copyright loopholes that allowed the use of Who monsters and characters in private productions, the failure of BBC audio efforts and the success of fan audio such as the Audio-Visuals, and eventually full circle with the Big Finish Audio Universe. We delve into the Doctor Who stage plays, explore the world of Who animations - official and unofficial, the recreation of lost or abandoned serials, new waves of stories and storytellers that have kept the show alive, and a universe of fan production.
Everybody’s Everybody
Everybody's Everybody is a dramatic musical for children, by children, for raising awareness around hunger and helping children who are hungry.Written by Merrill Collins and Frederick Gums, Everybody's Everybody was originally produced as a benefit for hungry children during the 1985 famine in Ethiopia. This guide for adult directors and volunteers promotes awareness of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which consists of 54 articles that define children's rights, and guidelines for how governments should work together to make them available to all children. Anne Frank said, "Hunger is not a problem. It is an obscenity. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Under the terms of the convention, governments are required to meet children's basic needs and help them reach their full potential. Hunger and famine can appear anywhere, anytime, and can be temporary or persistent. But feeding the hungry is an immediate benefit that anyone can do, anywhere in the world. This musical project is an excellent way to raise awareness and bring communities together to help.An instrumental soundtrack is available for those who can't perform with live musicians, which is always preferable. The book also contains a 5-minute excerpt, "Help them Live," which can promote the musical or stand alone.
The Movie Script
Are you a scriptwriter struggling to finish your story? Are you a film industry professional looking for more writing skills? Or are you simply wondering how to write a screenplay? Then, this book is the perfect fit."The Movie Script" is an inspirational short guide to the most important step in the wonderful filmmaking process: Writing the story!This book gives tips and inspiration on how to write your next movie project. Perfect for emerging filmmakers as well as for professionals who are seeking more knowledge and for students. Here, you have the opportunity to read and analyze the script for the highly successful short film "The Unhappy Woman" and watch the finished film to see how it turned out. The film won the Oscar-qualifying Best Short Short Award at Aspen Shortsfest in 2010. There is also a lot of other inspirational content included. You'll see how to write a screenplay and how to write fiction.INCLUDED: Final Draft of the Script for "The Unhappy Woman"Links to Streaming Platforms Where You Can See the Film (YouTube, DiscoverFilm, and Others)Screenwriting and Story Structure TipsFormatting TipsStills and Posters From the MovieAND MORE!BUY YOUR COPY NOW!
Mean Girls: You’re So Fetch
Show your bestie why they're a total regulation hottie with this officially licensed fill-in-the-blank book inspired by the beloved early aughts comedy, Mean Girls. Are you still trying to make fetch happen? Do you wear pink on Wednesdays? Let your bestie know--the Mean Girls way--just how much they mean to you with this unique and customizable fill-in-the-blank book full of fun and feisty expressions of appreciation. Each prompt is accompanied by a full-color illustration or photo from the film. Once you fill in the prompts, it becomes a personalized gift for your favorite Plastic to cherish for years to come.
American Masculinities in Contemporary Documentary Film
Most documentaries deal with men, but what do they actually say about masculinity? In this groundbreaking volume Sara Mart穩n analyses more than forty 21st-century documentaries to explore how they represent American men and masculinity. From Jennifer Siebel Newsom's The Mask You Live In to Raoul Peck's I Am Not Your Negro, this volume explores sixteen different faces of American masculinity: the good man, the activist, the politician, the whistleblower, the criminal, the sexual abuser, the wrongly accused, the dependent man, the soldier, the capitalist, the adventurer, the sportsman, the architect, the photographer, the musician, and the writer. The collective portrait drawn by the documentaries discloses a firm critical stance against the contradictions inherent in patriarchy, which makes American men promises of empowerment it cannot fulfill. The filmmakers' view of American masculinity emphasizes the vulnerability of disempowered men before the abuses of the patriarchal system run by hegemonic men and a loss of bearings about how to be a man after the impact of feminism, accompanied nonetheless by a celebration of resilient masculinity and of the good American man. Firmly positioning documentaries as an immensely flexible, relevant tool to understand 21st-century American men and masculinity, their past, present, and future, this book will interest students and scholars of film studies, documentary film, American cultural studies, gender, and masculinity.
Contemporary Irish Theatre and Social Change
This book uses the social transformation that has taken place in Ireland from the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993 to the repeal of the 8th amendment in 2018 as backdrop to examine relationships between activism and contemporary Irish theatre and performance.It studies art explicitly intended to create social and political change for marginalised constituencies. It asks what happens to theatre aesthetics when artists' aims are political and argues that activist commitments can create new modes of beauty, meaning, and affect. Categories of race, class, sexuality, and gender frame chapters, provide social context, and identify activist artists' social targets. This book provides in depth analysis of: Arambe - Ireland's first African theatre company; THEATREclub - an experimental collective with issues of class at its heart; The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival; and feminist artists working to Repeal the 8th amendment. It highlights the aesthetic strategies that emerge when artists set their sights on justice. Aesthetic debates, both historical and contemporary, are laid out from first principles, inviting readers to situate themselves - whether as artists, activists, or scholars - in the delicious tension between art and life. This book will be a vital guide to students and scholars interested in theatre and performance studies, gender studies, Irish history, and activism.
The Immersive Theatre of GAle GAtes
This book focuses on experimental theatre company, GAle GAtes, credited as "the true innovator" of the contemporary immersive movement.
Politics of the Oberammergau Passion Play
This collection provides a comprehensive overview of the Oberammergau Passion play and its history from the 19th century onwards.
Applied Theatre
This accessible book outlines the key ideas that define the global phenomenon of applied theatre, not only its theoretical underpinning, its origins and practice, but also providing eight real-life examples drawn from a diversity of forms and settings.The clearly arranged topic sections entitled When, What, Who, Why and Where emphasise the responsive nature of applied theatre, its social context and the importance of a beneficial outcome for participants, which can connect fields as disparate as health, criminal justice, education and migration. Labels and terms are explained, along with applied theatre's core values, motivations and objectives, allowing the reader to build a coherent understanding of its distinguishing features.Applied Theatre: The Key Concepts is aimed at students, academics, artists and practitioners of applied theatre as well as those with an interest in this vital blend of social and creative practice.
Listening to Others
Listening to Others is the first English-language volume dedicated solely to the vast corpus of the preeminent Brazilian director, Eduardo Coutinho (1933-2014). From his early work in the 1960s to his last, posthumous film in 2015, Coutinho transformed documentary filmmaking in Brazil and beyond. Described as an informal linguist and savage anthropologist, Coutinho filmed encounters with people different from himself that foregrounded their voices and his role as an attentive listener, creating a "cinema of listening." This collection brings together leading scholars of film, literature, visual culture, Brazilian studies, and Latin American studies, from the United States and Latin America, to examine both Coutinho's masterpieces and less studied films. Using a range of approaches, the contributors invite new ways of understanding the documentarian's trajectory and importance as his work transformed in response to dictatorship, democratization, and other political, social, and technological changes over the course of five decades. The volume also features original translations of a selection of Coutinho's writings and key texts by Brazilian critics to offer a historical perspective on his filmmaking and its reception.
Riding the Elephant
Host of Montreal's top-rated English radio talk show, Neil McKenty appeared rational, balanced and a calming influence in any crisis. Would anyone have believed that this sparkling public figure was very different behind closed doors?They met on the dance floor: he, a former Jesuit priest, she, grand-daughter of a two-time mayor of Toronto. Raised by her single mother, Catharine left the staid life of tea-parties for reconciliation work in post-war Europe. As a journalist for Pace, a magazine for adventurous youth of the 1960s, she conquered Los Angeles from the wheel of a pink Jaguar, unearthing a scoop that resulted in a best-selling book and Hollywood movie.Friends applauded that Catharine had found her intellectual equal. When her new husband's outbursts began, she attributed it to the stresses of married life. People knew little about mental illness in those days. It was far too uncomfortable to talk about. The word bipolar was virtually unknown.Together the McKentys wrote two best-selling books, rubbed shoulders with prime ministers, and worked closely with spiritual elites. Sandwiched between the couple's many accomplishments were Neil's suicidal depression and Catharine's desperate attempts to cope.Catharine examines the influences that helped her to maintain her sanity and the sanctity of marriage with a talented and troubled husband. She aims to empower others who care deeply about someone affected with bipolar disorder.
Using Open Scenes to Act Successfully on Stage and Screen
Using Open Scenes as a "way in" to scripted material, this book establishes a foundational actor training methodology that can be applied to the performance of film or television acting, commercials, and theatrical realism. This book will appeal to undergraduate students, acting teachers, and the contemporary actor.
New Dramaturgies of Contemporary Opera
New Dramaturgies of Contemporary Opera is the first and only book that approaches the dramaturgy of contemporary opera from the unique perspectives of living practitioners (composers, librettists, directors, producers, singers, dramaturgs, and administrators) who provide valuable first-hand insight into the coming into being of an opera today.The edited collection captures the ethos of contemporary opera-making in the global context and serves as a timely intervention in addressing the array of heterogenous dramaturgical practices that go into making an opera today in an era of flux. The collection is split into four parts: Part I presents the new dramaturgical considerations that the field is currently exploring; Part II investigates the ways in which non-Western cultures and perspectives can and have been represented; Part III explores the roles of space, nature, and environment in contemporary opera; and finally, Part IV looks at the ways in which technology has intersected with the creation of contemporary opera.With perspectives from practitioners throughout, this collection is essential reading for advanced students, researchers, and scholars of contemporary opera, as well as practicing dramaturgs in this field.
The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Performance
What is theatre? What is performance? What connects them and how are they different? How have they been shaped by events, people, companies, practices and ideas in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries? And where are they heading next? The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Performance offers some answers to these big questions. This third edition has been updated to now include over 160 entries, with all entries brought up to date and new topics added, including Caryl Churchill, Black Lives Matter and Hamilton, among others.This book provides an accessible, informative and engaging introduction to important people and companies, events, concepts and practices that have defined the complementary fields of theatre and performance studies. Three easy-to-use alphabetized sections include entries on topics and people ranging from performance artists Marina Abramovic and Pope.L to directors Vsevolod Meyerhold and Robert Wilson, the haka, Taking the Knee and disability, theatre and performance. Each entry includes important historical and contextual information, extensive cross-referencing, detailed analysis and an annotated bibliography.The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Performance is a perfect reference guide for the keen student and the passionate theatre-goer alike.
The Routledge Companion to Musical Theatre
Global in scope and featuring thirty-five chapters from more than fifty dance, music, and theatre scholars and practitioners, The Routledge Companion to Musical Theatre introduces the fundamentals of musical theatre studies and highlights developing global trends in practice and scholarship.Investigating the who, what, when, where, why, and how of transnational musical theatre, The Routledge Companion to Musical Theatre is a comprehensive guide for those studying the components of musical theatre, its history, practitioners, audiences, and agendas. The Companion expands the study of musical theatre to include the ways we practice and experience musicals, their engagement with technology, and their navigation of international commercial marketplaces. The Companion is the first collection to include global musical theatre in each chapter, reflecting the musical's status as the world's most popular theatrical form. This book brings together practice and scholarship, featuring essays by leading and emerging scholars alongside luminaries such as Chinese musical theatre composer San Bao, Tony Award-winning star Andr矇 De Shields, and Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus. This is an essential resource for students on theatre and performance courses and an invaluable text for researchers and practitioners in these areas of study.
Sacred Rites
Sacred Rites documents the author's personal experiences with the transformative ritual medium of Paratheatre that he has developed since 1977. Through his private ritual journals written over eleven years (2000-2011), Alli bypasses historical definitions of ritual beyond the costumed spectacles of the robes and wands of Western occult ceremonial magick, the archaic history of pagan nature rites, and the somber pomp of the Catholic High Mass with its wafers, cheap wine, and sermons chanted in the dead language of Latin. His Production Notes explain how his ritual labs transformed into public performances, and inspired the creation of his underground films. Also featured are Ritual Journal Entries of a dozen individuals who trained with Antero, plus an outline for the facilitating Introductory Workshops.
Children love to be part of the story
These plays have been written to bless the participants attending various Christian based activities. They were written for programs in New South Wales, Australia from 1971 to 1984. However the message of God's love remains timeless. Hopefully they will be valued now as being relevant to all those who would like to adapt any of the plays to creatively suit current programs and situations. For this reason there are no copyright concerns regarding these materials.
Sweet Smell Of Sockcess - Putting A Show On At The Edinburgh Fringe
The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre took their first comedy show to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2007. And they never stopped. This exhaustive, and exhausting, diary by their creator and performer Kev F Sutherland takes you behind the scenes of writing, staging, promoting, performing, and recovering from the rigmarole of putting on an Edinburgh show. Read all the reviews, rub shoulders with the celebrities, and read all the rather boring sales figures and the self-obsessed over-analysis of a lot of silly gagsfrom the Socks' shows from 2009to 2014. This is a vital book for anyone thinking of taking a show to Edinburgh, and for historians of comedy in the UK over the last two decades. And if you are Socks fans, god help you, you'll learn a little bit about what makes the boys tick.
The School For Scandal
"The School for Scandal" is a comedy of manners play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It premiered at Drury Lane Theatre in London on May 8, 1777. The play is a quintessential example of Sheridan's wit and his keen observation of social behavior, satirizing the gossip and hypocrisy prevalent in high society. The play is set in 18th-century London, primarily in the fashionable drawing rooms of its characters The plot revolves around the romantic entanglements and deceptions among the characters, particularly focusing on the Surface brothers and Lady Teazle. Sir Oliver Surface disguises himself to test the true natures of his nephews, Charles and Joseph. He finds Charles to be generous and kind-hearted despite his financial recklessness, while Joseph is exposed as a hypocrite and a villain. Lady Teazle, initially drawn to the allure of high society and flirtation with Joseph Surface, eventually realizes the value of her husband, Sir Peter. The play concludes with the exposure of the various schemes and the reconciliation of the main characters, particularly the Teazles and the Surface brothers.
The Rivals A Comedy
"The Rivals" is a five-act comedy play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It premiered on January 17, 1775, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. Known for its witty dialogue, humorous characters, and satirical take on romantic relationships and societal norms, "The Rivals" remains a staple of English comedic theatre. The play is set in Bath, England, a popular social and leisure destination during the 18th century. The play revolves around the romantic entanglements and misunderstandings among the characters. Jack Absolute must navigate his dual identity to win Lydia's affection while dealing with his father's arranged marriage plans. Lydia's romantic fantasies lead her to reject Jack when she discovers his true identity, as she believes it lacks the drama and defiance she desires. Mrs. Malaprop's comedic misuse of language provides humor and insight into the character's pretensions and aspirations. The subplot involving Faulkland and Julia explores themes of trust and jealousy in relationships. The play concludes with the resolution of misunderstandings, the reconciliation of couples, and the exposure of true intentions, leading to a series of humorous and satisfying outcomes. The Rivals" is celebrated for its lively characters, clever dialogue, and comedic situations. It remains a popular play in theatre repertoires world. The character of Mrs. Malaprop has become iconic, with her name giving rise to the term "malapropism" to describe the misuse of words.
Fanny’s First Play
Fanny's First Play is a comedy that ingeniously incorporates a play within a play to offer a sharp social critique of Edwardian society. Written by the master satirist George Bernard Shaw, the play explores themes of family dynamics, youth rebellion, censorship, gender roles, and generational conflict, all while, maintaining a humorous tone. The central narrative of Fanny's First Play revolves around the young and spirited Fanny, who writes her first play and arranges for it to be performed anonymously. The action unfolds with a group of theatre critics invited to watch this play, unaware of its author's identity, which sets the stage for a satirical examination of the critical establishment and societal norms. The play addresses the theme of censorship through its depiction of the anonymous presentation of Fanny's work. Shaw critiques the societal and institutional forces that suppress creative expression and limit artistic freedom. Fanny's First Play is a clever and entertaining work that combines humor with sharp social commentary. Through its satire and engaging narrative, the play invites audiences to reflect on the societal norms and values of the time, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with contemporary viewers.
Getting Married
"Getting Married" by Bernard Shaw is a satirical play that delves into the institution of marriage, examining its impact on individuals and society. Through sharp and witty dialogue, Shaw critiques the social norms and gender roles associated with marriage, exploring how these roles shape romantic and marital relationships. The play serves as a social critique, reflecting Shaw's views on the need for reform in societal attitudes towards marriage. It humorously addresses contemporary issues, highlighting the conflict between traditional expectations and modern sensibilities. The characters are developed with a focus on their personal growth and the dynamics within their relationships, showcasing Shaw's exploration of marriage as both a personal and societal institution. Shaw uses satire to challenge conventional beliefs and provoke thought about the nature of marriage, social expectations, and individual desires. The play blends comedy with drama, offering a reflection on modern attitudes and the philosophical questions surrounding marriage and social reform. Through its critical examination of marriage, "Getting Married" remains a relevant and insightful commentary on societal norms and personal relationships.
Space, the Feminist Frontier
For nearly 60 years, Star Trek has imagined humanity's future while reflecting its present. Star Trek: The Original Series debuted with three male leads, but in the wake of a Trek renaissance that began with Star Trek: Discovery in 2017, additional series have explored the frontiers of representation, making the present moment ripe for new critical engagement and thoughtful reflection on the narratives that have shaped the journey thus far. Using the lens of feminist criticism and theory, this collection of essays presents a diverse array of academic and fan scholars engaging with the past, present, and future of Star Trek. Contributors consider issues like Klingon marriage, Majel Barrett's legacy, the Bechdel-Wallace test, LGBTQ+ representation, and more. They offer updated readings on legacy characters while also addressing wholly new characters like Michael Burnham, Beckett Mariner, and Adira Tal. Their essays provide some of the first critical examinations of the newest additions to the Trek franchise, including Picard, Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks.
Transcultural Theater
Transcultural Theater outlines the idea of a transcultural theater as enabling an approximation to and an interaction with the foreign and the alien. In consideration of the allure of fundamentalist and populist movements that promote the development and practices of xenophobia worldwide, this book makes a powerful plea for the art of theater as a medium of conviviality with (the) foreign(er) that should not be underestimated. This study contributes to transcultural experience, artistic practice, and education in the medium of theater. The book's investigation extends far into space and time and pays particular attention to the relationship between aesthetic experience, artistic practice, and academic representation. This book is for scholars and students as well as for all those working in the cultural field, especially in the field of cultural transfer.
Feminism, Dramaturgy, and the Contemporary British History Play
When we think of the contemporary British history play, why might we automatically think of playwrights such as David Hare, Howard Brenton, Peter Gill and Edward Bond? Because for decades the writing of the history play has been the preserve of the white male.This book provides a vital feminist intervention into the dramaturgy of history plays, investigating work produced at major British theatres from 2000 to the present, written by a generation of innovative women playwrights. This much-needed study explores the use of history - specifically Elizabethan, Restoration, Victorian and early 20th century - in contemporary playwriting in order to interrogate the gender politics of this work. Within the framework of contemporary feminism - including the pivotal #MeToo movement - the book looks at post-2000s feminist drama that somehow represents the past. Through delving into the recurring tropes and their politics in the light of current feminist debate, the author helps us grasp how these plays essentially re-imagine gender politics. Plays that are considered include Emilia (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm), Swive [Elizabeth] (Ella Hickson), An August Bank Holiday Lark (Deborah McAndrew), The Empress (Tanika Gupta), Red Velvet(Lolita Chakrabarti), Scuttlers(Rona Munro), I, Joan(Charlie Josephine), Blue Stockingsand Nell Gwynn(Jessica Swale), and the musical Six(Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss).
Creating Space for Shakespeare
Applied Shakespeare is attracting growing interest from practitioners and academics alike, all keen to understand the ways in which performing his works can offer opportunities for reflection, transformation, dialogue regarding social justice, and challenging of perceived limitations. This book adds a new dimension to the field by taking an interdisciplinary approach to topics which have traditionally been studied individually, examining the communication opportunities Shakespeare's work can offer for a range of marginalized people. It draws on a diverse range of projects from across the globe, many of which the author has facilitated or been directly involved with, including those with incarcerated people, people with mental health issues, learning disabilities and who have experienced homelessness. As this book evidences, Shakespeare can be used to alter the spatial constraints of people who feel imprisoned, whether literally or metaphorically, enabling them to speak and to be heard in ways which may previously have been elusive or unattainable. The book examines the use of trauma-informed principles to explore the ways in which consistency, longevity, trust and collaboration enable the development of resilience, positive autonomy and communication skills. It explores this phenomenon of creating space for people to find their own way of expressing themselves in a way that mainstream society can understand, whilst also challenging society to 'see better' and to hear better. This is not a process of social homogenisation but of encouraging positive interactions and removing the stigma of marginalization.
Applied Theatre and the Sustainable Development Goals
This book is the first definitive publication to consider the intersections of applied theatre and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a series of goals which have shaped development and social justice initiatives from 2015 to 2030.It brings together emerging and leading scholars and practitioners engaged in creative and community contexts globally. In so doing, the book offers critical insights to explore the convergences, complexities, and tensions of working within development frameworks, through theatre. Divided into three thematic areas, it maps out the ways in which applied theatre has related to the SDGs, examines issues with global collaborations, and, as 2030 approaches and the SDG era draws to a close, interrogates such practices, envisioning what the role of applied theatre might be in the post-SDG era. The book provokes reflection about this specific era of applied theatre and global development, as well as discussion regarding what comes next.This volume will be of importance to students, artists, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working in applied theatre and the field of development.
Revolutionary Messages
Published here in its entirety in English, Artaud's Revolutionary Messagescollects Antonin Artaud's political, aesthetic and philosophical writings during his travels to Mexico in 1936. Written around the same time as his seminal work The Theatre and its Double, it captures a crucial point in Artaud's life shortly before he was admitted to a mental asylum in which he was to spend a significant part of his later life. Revolutionary Messages contains conferences that Artaud gave at the University of Mexico, articles from the daily Mexican newspaper El Nacional Revolucionarioand a study of three seminal artists of the time influenced by or from Mexico: Franz Hals, Ortiz Monasterio and Maria Izquierdo. Not only will you gain crucial insight into Artaud's time in Mexico and his vision of a "total revolution," which he places in distinction to Marxist and Surrealist conceptions of revolution, but you will deepen your understanding of the philosophical roots of his theatrical project, which ultimately shaped modern theatre and dance. The publication includes an introduction by the translator, Joel White, and a preface by Professor of European Philosophy, Howard Caygill.
The Pilgrim's Progress
Step into an unforgettable journey with this epic adaptation of John Bunyan's timeless allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress. Originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, this dramatization brings to the stage the tale of Christian, who flees the City of Destruction on a perilous quest to reach the Celestial City. Guided by Evangelist, Christian encounters a host of vivid characters-both friends and foes-including the treacherous Mr Worldly Wiseman, the loquacious Talkative, and the fearsome Apollyon. We follow Christian's trials as he battles through the murky Slough of Despond, faces persecution at the chaotic Vanity Fair, and confronts the enormous Giant Despair in the menacing Doubting Castle. Meanwhile, his family endures their own hardships in his absence, adding a poignant counterpoint to his epic journey. This dynamic adaptation offers a wealth of roles for a large ensemble, bringing to life a diverse cast of infamous and fantastical characters. Directors and designers will revel in the chance to create striking scenes that capture the drama and spectacle of Christian's odyssey. From the dark depths of despair to the dazzling heights of hope, The Pilgrim's Progress promises an enthralling theatrical experience for both theatre makers and audiences alike. A monumental version which brings the full scope of Bunyan's visionary masterpiece to the stage.
Gilmore Girls Life Lessons
Take a self-care trip to Stars Hollow with this collection of life lessons from the Gilmore Girls Relationship issues? Holding out for a parent's approval? Can't stop drinking coffee? All problems the Gilmore girls know a thing or two about. This handy guide to life includes wisdom from Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, the ultimate comfort-watching duo and the fastest-talking mother daughter team TV has ever seen. Blending the show's quirky humor with real-life lessons on how to accept yourself and improve the relationships with those you love, Gilmore Girls: Life Lessons will help you become the best version of you, with the help of lots of coffee (and a shot of cynicism). This title is the perfect gift purchase for fans of Gilmore Girls, and a helping hand for anyone trying to figure it all out. With Gilmore-guided lessons in work, love, and friendship, you'll learn how to fall down and pick yourself right back up again with advice from your favorite characters, including Luke, Babette, Paris, and Sookie - and especially Emily, who's never without an opinion. GILMORE GIRLS and all related characters and elements (c) & (TM) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24)
Star Trek Daily 2025 Day-To-Day Calendar
The officially licensed Star Trek(TM) 2025 Day-to-Day Calendar celebrates the iconic sci-fi franchise with photos and illustrations of characters, tech, and ships from more than fifty-five years of Federation history for every day of the year. Now in full color, the officially licensed Star Trek(TM) 2025 Day-to-Day Calendar celebrates the iconic sci-fi franchise with photos and illustrations of characters, tech, and ships from more than fifty-five years of Federation history. Full color tear-off pages Includes characters, lore, and imagery from every Star Trek(TM) series. Day/date reference on each page Includes official major world holidays
These Fists Break Bricks (Revised and Expanded Edition)
From New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix and film historian Chris Poggiali comes the full story of how kung fu movies came to--and conquered--America in this revised and expanded edition. When a Hollywood studio released Five Fingers of Death to thrill-seeking Times Square moviegoers in 1973, only a handful of Black and Asian audience members knew the difference between an Iron Fist and an Eagle's Claw. That changed overnight as Five Fingers kicked off a kung fu craze that would earn millions at the box office, send TV ratings soaring, influence the birth of hip hop, reshape the style of action we see in movies today, and introduce America to some of the biggest Asian stars to ever hit motion picture screens. These Fists Break Bricks offers a lavishly illustrated exploration of how these high-kicking, brick-breaking movies came to America and raised hell until greed, infomercials, and racist fearmongering shut them down. For the first time, the full--and wild--story is told, including how CIA agents secretly funded karate movies and how The New York Times fabricated a fear campaign about Black "karate gangs," as well as the history of Black martial arts in America and the onslaught of Bruce Lee imitators after his death. With a foreword by RZA of the Wu Tang Clan and brand new material on superstars like Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and Donnie Yen, plus spotlights on unsung performers, film poster artists, and money-laundering film distributors, this revised and expanded edition is a master class in kung fu cinema history.
Portia and the Therapist
Rob Chantler's comedy is all about a deluded model and TV star called Portia, who is forced to attend anger management therapy in avoid to avoid prison after she assaults a bouncer. The jaded counsellor she ends up with, Helen, has no time for her or her lifestyle and can't wait to be free of it, but fate won't let that happen.
Portal
When natural resources are gone, what is the future going to look like? In a world where most of the water in the world has been drawn into the salty oceans, the great rivers gone, the only available water is what you can salvage and recycle from your own body. What would nature make us give up to put things right, and at what cost? A group of children find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar place. A message is received through one of their brain-embedded ID Chips. In their world, certain words remain but their meaning has been lost to an incinerating climate, so how should they interpret this message? Is the portal an open door to a better dimension, or are the kids sacrificial lambs to the unforgiving laws of nature?
The Play's the Thing
An insider's spirited history of Yale Repertory Theatre In this serious and entertaining chronicle of the first fifty years of Yale Repertory Theatre, award-winning dramaturg James Magruder shows how dozens of theater artists have played their parts in the evolution of a sterling American institution. Each of its four chapters is dedicated to one of the Yale Rep's artistic directors to date: Robert Brustein, Lloyd Richards, Stan Wojewodski Jr., and James Bundy. Numerous sidebars--dedicated to the spaces used by the theater, the playwrights produced most often, casting, the prop shop, the costume shop, artist housing, and other topics--enliven the lavishly illustrated four-color text. This fascinating insider account, full of indelible descriptions of crucial moments in the Rep's history, is based in part on interviews with some of America's most respected actors about their experiences at the Rep, including Paul Giamatti, James Earl Jones, Frances McDormand, Meryl Streep, Courtney B. Vance, Dianne Wiest, and Henry Winkler--among many others. More than just a valentine to an important American theater, The Play's the Thing is a story about institution-building and the force of personality; about the tug-of-war between vision and realpolitik; and about the continuous negotiation between educational needs and artistic demands.
Three Magpies Perched in a Tree
A searing yet heartbreaking Indigenous Gothic that confronts the difficult reality of juvenile justice work.An Aboriginal man from the stolen generation works in his community, watching young people who confront the criminal justice system slip through the cracks time and time again. Taken from the lived experience of front-line juvenile justice work, this play grapples with the multitude of obstacles young Aboriginal people face and asks how much difference one man can make in the uphill battle to teach them that, despite what society has told them, their lives and futures matter.Brought to the stage by award-winning Indigenous creative Glenn Shea & narrated by legendary actor and activist Uncle Jack Charles, Three Magpies Perched in a Tree won the 2023 Green Room Award for Best New Writing, received the 2010 State Library of Victoria R.E Ross Trust Development Award and was Highly Commended for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award 2023.
Letters to a Young Playwright
In Letters to a Young Playwright, Szymkowicz dispenses hard-earned, unsentimental, and entertaining advice to early-career dramatists.
The Impossible Plays of Migdalia Cruz
In this collection, recipient of the 2023 DGF Legacy Playwright and award-winning multi-platform playwright, translator, and librettist, Migdalia Cruz dives into the impossible through her plays FISHTANK, SATYRICO?O, & TWO ROBERTS. Accompanied with reflections on the work from Virginia Grise, Morgan Jenness, and Todd London. Complemented by cover and interior illustrations from artist Christian Potter Drury. "Welcome to these Impossible Plays!The three plays included in this volume: FISHTANK, SATYRICO?O, &TWO ROBERTS, represent three of my waking-dreams about joy, grief, sex, spirituality, Democracy, and hope... If you read this volume, you will find thetrue meaning of impossible poured over impossible landscapes punctuated by the poetic realism that has conjured my ancestors and birthed this volume of plays."-Migdalia Cruz-This book is a part of the second round of the Sledgehammer Series with Before You Go by Sharon Bridgforth. The Sledgehammer Series lives within Tripwire's mission, with a specific focus on challenging how theater can live visually on the page.
The Embassy, the Ambush, and the Ogre
This volume presents a sophisticated and intricate examination of the parallels between Sanskrit and Greco-Roman literature. By means of a philological and literary analysis, Morales-Harley hypothesizes that Greco-Roman literature was known, understood, and recreated in India. Moreover, it is argued that the techniques for adapting epic into theater could have been Greco-Roman influences in India, and that some of the elements adapted within the literary motifs (specifically the motifs of the embassy, the ambush, and the ogre) could have been Greco-Roman borrowings by Sanskrit authors.This book draws on a wide variety of sources, including Iliad, Phoenix, Rhesus and Cyclops (Greco-Roman) as well as Mahābhārata, The Embassy, The Five Nights and The Middle One (Sanskrit). The result is a well-supported argument which presents us with the possibility of cultural exchange between the Greco-Roman world and India - a possibility which, though hypothetical, is worth acknowledging.Due to its comparative nature, this volume will appeal to both Indologists and Classicists, including Mahābhārata scholars, Sanskrit theater scholars, and those interested in comparative work with Sanskrit literature. It brings an original perspective to the field, and provides inspiration for new lines of research.
Divine Invention
One morning, as I was writing, I suddenly understood that as a species, through incredible stubbornness, we were able to write love into our genetic makeup, and that this is enough to redeem us all. We were given mouths to bite with, and with deep intelligence and beauty, we learned to kiss each other. Part performance lecture, part auto-fictional memoir, Divine Invention is Sergio Blanco's attempt to say something new about love. To do so, he recalls his own experiences of love, true and invented, and explores the history of love in art, literature, music, and science. The result is a life-affirming new play. Written by acclaimed Franco-Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco (Thebes Land, The Rage of Narcissus, When You Pass Over My Tomb) and translated by his long-time collaborator Daniel Goldman, Divine Invention is 'collaboration to savour by two masters of the form' (Lyn Gardner). This edition was published to coincide with the English language world premiere at Edinburgh Fringe Festival's Summerhall in August 2024.
