Text and Performance in Contemporary British Theatre

Text and Performance in Contemporary British Theatre explores the paradoxical nature of theatre texts, examining the relationship between text and performance in British theatre from the 1990s onwards. It discusses issues such as theatrical authorship, artistic intention, and the incompleteness of plays, and explores the implications of changing technologies of page and stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Text and Performance in Contemporary British Theatre delves into the intricate paradox of theatre texts, which have been simultaneously perceived as distinct literary entities and as raw material for theatrical performances. By examining the work of contemporary practitioners who are actively engaging with text in innovative ways, the book reevaluates the intricate relationship between text and performance within the unique context of British theatre. Spanning a diverse range of theatre-makers who have emerged in the UK since the 1990s, including playwrights
Writers like Tim Crouch and Jasmine Lee-Jones, as well as companies such as Action Hero and RashDash, are among those discussed in the book. Through these discussions, the book addresses critical issues such as theatrical authorship, artistic intent, and the inherent incompleteness of plays as both written and performed phenomena.

Furthermore, Text and Performance in Contemporary British Theatre explores the profound implications of evolving technologies of page and stage, analyzing how recent advancements in theatre-making, editing, and publishing have impacted the status of the theatre text. This exploration provides valuable insights for scholars, students, and practitioners alike, offering an original perspective on one of the most enduring and fundamental problems that have occupied the realm of theatre practice and scholarship.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367648640