The 101 Greatest Plays: From Antiquity to the Present - Brossura

Billington, Michael

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1783350318 ISBN 13: 9781783350315

Casa editrice: Guardian Faber, 2016

Riassunto

Having surveyed post-war British drama in State of the Nation, Michael Billington now looks at the global picture. In this provocative and challenging new book, he offers his highly personal selection of the 101 greatest plays ranging from the Greeks to the present-day.

But his book is no mere list. Billington justifies his choices in extended essays — and even occasional dialogues — that put the plays in context, explain their significance and trace their performance history. In the end, it's a book that poses an infinite number of questions. What makes a great play? Does the definition change with time and circumstance? Or are certain common factors visible down the ages? It's safe to say that it's a book that, in revising the accepted canon, is bound to stimulate passionate argument and debate.

Everyone will have strong views on Billington's chosen hundred and one and will be inspired to make their own selections. But, coming from Britain's longest-serving theatre critic, these essays are the product of a lifetime spent watching and reading plays and record the adventures of a soul amongst masterpieces.

Su questo libro

Recensione

Michael Billington's profoundly informed passion about the theatre is wonderful and touching. (Simon Callow)

Lucidly written and argued this is a seriously pleasurable book, founded upon a life spent valuably in theatres. (Independent)

[T]he elegance and vigour of [Billington's] writing ... backed by his unparalleled banks of theatrical knowledge and wisdom - makes these essays a joy to read, even while we rage and quibble over Billington's choices, and set about compiling lists of our own. (The Scotsman)

Billington's book challenges readers to disagree - not just with his choices, but with the reasons behind his choices - and will perhaps inspire some to compile their own lists. . . Greatness may be reserved for 101 plays, but the brief biographies here of so many exceptional dramatists open the doors to further exploration. (TLS)

[A] pleasure to read ... there is probably nobody currently living who has the knowledge, experience and memory of Michael Billington when it comes to writing a book of this type ... Its value lies not only in its historical and geographical sweep but also the quality of the research and writing ... Michael Billington has written a book that is simultaneously important and enjoyable. Who could ask for anything more? (Philip Fisher British Theatre Guide)

[T]he essays are not just about playtexts and the way the words read on a page. The performances Billington has seen of each play feed inexorably into the choices he has made in the book. It's a tribute to actors, directors and theatre buildings as well - that's what makes it theatre. (Exeunt)

[A]n entertaining, original and imaginative bird's eye view of British theatre - writers, actors, customs, audiences, social commentary - from Shakespeare to Rattigan conducted by a group of amusingly characterised official guides of each period. Ideal for students and fans alike, there's nothing remotely comparable in the contemporary library of theatre history. (Michael Coveney What's On Stage)

[E]xtremely readable ... a great book for theatre lovers and an indispensable book for theatre practitioners and students. I cannot recommend it too strongly. (Mature Times)

[W]hat is fascinating about Billington's preferences is his high respect for the text ... He is a focused and generous champion for the written word, who can give dozens of equally convincing readings of the same play, and is always ready to meet the political questions they ask head on. He knows what he's doing. (Huffington Post)

[A] veritable treasure trove ... There can be few better guides to the living theatre, to the glory of plays ancient and modern, than this anthology ... Billington's eye and ear for what works in the theatre are unerring ... [an] engrossing trawl through a wonderland of 101 great plays. (Plays to See)

Descrizione del libro

The essential companion to the greatest plays ever written.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Guardian Faber
• Data di pubblicazione: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1783350318
• ISBN 13: 9781783350315
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 464