Real Theatre: Essays in Experience

Paul Rae's Real Theatre explores the realities of theatre by examining how performances take shape and their effects, drawing on examples from various theatrical events and their cultural circulation. It demonstrates how seemingly discrete theatrical events emerge from dynamic social, technical, and institutional assemblages, resulting in a theatre that speaks to the unique and cumulative experience of every participant.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Theatre is often hailed for its unique ability to provide insights into the nature of reality, yet this perspective obscures the very essence of theatre itself. In his book, Real Theatre, Paul Rae takes a holistic approach to understanding the realities of theatre, exploring why performances take the forms they do and the impact they have on audiences.

Drawing from a wide range of examples, Rae demonstrates how seemingly discrete theatrical events are actually the result of dynamic and often unpredictable social, technical, and institutional assemblages. From the iconic performances of Phantom of the Opera and Danny Boyle's Frankenstein to the avant-garde works of the Wooster Group and the visionary director Tsai Ming-liang, Rae showcases how these events emerge from complex social, technical, and institutional networks.

Once these events enter the realm of cultural circulation, they take on various forms, including fleeting conversations, the fleeting careers of theatrical characters, and the composite personae of actors. Rae argues that these forms of cultural circulation are essential in shaping the experience of theatre participants, as they contribute to the unique and cumulative nature of the theatrical experience.

In conclusion, Real Theatre offers a profound exploration of the realities of theatre, challenging traditional perspectives and revealing the intricate connections between performance, society, and culture. Through his insightful analysis and compelling examples, Rae provides a valuable contribution to the field of theatre studies, offering a fresh perspective on the art form and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 234 x 177 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107186590