The Routledge Companion to Theatre-Fiction

Novelists have long been attracted to theatre, and this Companion explores the array of novelists who have created fiction from the stuff of theatre, from J. W. Goethe to Margaret Atwood. It also spotlights writers who have received less critical attention, offering new perspectives on intermediality, theatricality, antitheatricality, mimesis, diegesis, and performativity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Theatre has long held a captivating allure for novelists, with many seeking to intertwine these two artistic mediums. While some have achieved success on the stage, others have ventured into the world of fiction, crafting narratives that unfold on the pages of books and casting actors, directors, and playwrights as the central characters. The Routledge Companion to Theatre-Fiction brings together an international community of scholars to delve into the diverse array of novelists from various eras and geographical regions who have ventured into the realm of theatre-fiction. This comprehensive companion explores the intriguing interplay between theatre and novels, examining what transpires on the pages of novels when they incorporate theatrical elements and vice versa. From the legendary J. W. Goethe to the influential Louisa May Alcott, Mikhail Bulgakov, Virginia Woolf, and Margaret Atwood, some of history's most renowned novelists have ventured into the world of theatre-fiction, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. This companion also sheds light on lesser-known writers who have made significant contributions to this genre, such as Dorothy Leighton, Agustín de Rojas Villandrando, Ronald Firbank, Syed Mustafa Siraj, Li Yu, and Vicente Blasco Ibañez. By engaging their work in conversation with the field of theatre-fiction, the companion offers valuable insights and perspectives, making it an essential resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of both theatre and novels.

The Routledge Companion to Theatre-Fiction delves into the multifaceted relationship between theatre and fiction, exploring the ways in which novelists have incorporated theatrical elements into their works and vice versa. It examines the impact of theatre on the narrative structure, character development, and themes of novels, as well as the reciprocal influence of novels on theatrical productions. The companion features a wide range of contributions from esteemed scholars and experts in the field, offering fresh perspectives on the interplay.

One of the key themes explored in the companion is intermediality, which refers to the ways in which different media, such as theatre, film, and television, interact and influence each other. The chapter on intermediality explores the ways in which novelists have adapted plays and other theatrical works for the novel, as well as the ways in which theatre has influenced the development of film and television. The companion also examines the concept of theatricality, which refers to the inherent theatricality of language and the ways in which theatre can enhance the reading experience. The chapter on theatricality explores the ways in which novelists use language to create immersive and theatrical experiences for their readers, as well as the ways in which theatre can inspire novelists to experiment with new forms of storytelling.

Another important theme explored in the companion is antitheatricality, which refers to the ways in which novels challenge or subvert traditional theatrical conventions and expectations. The chapter on antitheatricality explores the ways in which novelists use irony, parody, and other literary devices to undermine the authority. The companion also examines the concept of mimesis, which refers to the representation of reality on stage or screen, and the ways in which novelists use mimesis to create immersive and realistic experiences for their readers. The chapter on mimesis explores the ways in which novelists use description, dialogue, and other literary devices to create vivid and detailed images of the world, as well as the ways in which theatre can inspire novelists to experiment with new forms of visual representation.

Diegesis and performativity are two other key themes explored in the companion. Diegesis refers to the representation of the inner world of characters in a novel, while performativity refers to the performative nature of language and the ways in which it can create meaning and significance. The chapter on diegesis explores the ways in which novelists use interior monologue, flashbacks, and other literary devices to reveal the thoughts and emotions of their characters, as well as the ways in which theatre can inspire novelists to experiment with new forms of character development. The chapter on performativity explores the ways in which novelists use language to create performative experiences for their readers, as well as the ways in which theatre can inspire novelists to experiment with new forms of storytelling.

In conclusion, The Routledge Companion to Theatre-Fiction is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of both theatre and novels. It offers a wealth of new perspectives on topics of increasing critical concern, including intermediality, theatricality, antitheatricality, mimesis, diegesis, and performativity. By engaging with the work of novelists who have incorporated theatrical elements into their works and vice versa, the companion provides a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between these two artistic mediums.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032069906