Classic-ing on the Australian mainstream stage: The place and phenomenon of classic in Australian mainstream theatre 1995-2016

This book evaluates classic drama as an active creation, informed by postcolonial theory and analysis of six distinct examples of pre-determined and self-nominated classic productions on the Australian mainstage. It expands the concept of classic as a dimension of theatrical and not only of dramatic reception, responding to a polarised debate on auteur directors and the relative value of new vs classic plays.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2024
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG

Classic drama is a dynamic and intricate theatrical practice that encompasses a wide range of elements, including program selection, casting, staging, audience reception, and critical response. It is a complex art form that requires careful consideration and analysis. In this book, we will explore the evaluation of classic drama as an active creation.

To understand classic drama, it is essential to delve into its historical context and the various factors that shape its production. Classic drama is a term used to describe theatrical works that have withstood the test of time and have been recognized as masterpieces of the dramatic arts. These productions often reflect the social, cultural, and political conditions of their respective eras and have a lasting impact on audiences.

One of the key aspects of classic drama is its theatrical practice. Classic drama is a complex art form that involves a range of elements, including program selection, casting, staging, and audience reception. Program selection involves choosing plays that are relevant to the current social and cultural climate and that resonate with the audience. Casting involves selecting actors who are capable of bringing the characters to life and who can convey the emotional depth of the play. Staging involves creating a physical environment that supports the play's narrative and that enhances the audience's experience. Audience reception involves engaging with the audience and creating a sense of shared experience.

Classic drama also involves critical response, which is the evaluation and interpretation of the play by critics and scholars. Critical response plays a vital role in shaping the understanding and appreciation of classic drama. It provides insights into the themes, characters, and artistic techniques used in the play and helps to establish its place in the broader theatrical canon.

In this book, we will analyze six distinct examples of classic drama on the Australian mainstage. These examples include plays by renowned authors such as William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, and Anton Chekhov. We will use postcolonial theory, specifically the settler dilemma of Indigenous cultural authority, to inform our analysis. The settler dilemma is a complex issue that arises when Indigenous cultures encounter European cultures and the dominant cultural norms and practices of the settler society. It involves the struggle for cultural authority and political authority and the negotiation of cultural identity and belonging.

Our analysis of these six classic productions will focus on the following aspects:

Program Selection: We will examine the selection of plays and the themes and issues that they address. We will consider how the plays reflect the social, cultural, and political conditions of their respective eras and how they resonate with contemporary audiences.

Casting: We will examine the casting process and the choices made by the directors and producers. We will consider how the actors bring the characters to life and how they convey the emotional depth of the play.

Staging: We will examine the staging process and the choices made by the directors and designers. We will consider how the physical environment supports the play's narrative and how it enhances the audience's experience.

Audience Reception: We will examine the audience reception of the plays and the impact that they have had on audiences. We will consider how the plays have been interpreted and how they have influenced the broader theatrical canon.

Critical Response: We will examine the critical response to the plays and the insights that it provides into the themes, characters, and artistic techniques used in the play. We will consider how the critical response has shaped the understanding and appreciation of classic drama.

In conclusion, classic drama is a dynamic and intricate theatrical practice that encompasses a wide range of elements, including program selection, casting, staging, audience reception, and critical response. It is a complex art form that requires careful consideration and analysis. In this book, we will explore the evaluation of classic drama as an active creation and use postcolonial theory to inform our analysis. By examining the six distinct examples of classic drama on the Australian mainstage, we will gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and place of the dramatic classic in Australian mainstream theatre.

Weight: 553g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783662681749
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023