Post-Colonial Drama is the first full-length study to address the ways in which performance has been instrumental in resisting the continuing effects of imperialism. It brings to bear the latest theoretical approaches from post-colonial and performance studies to a range of plays from Australia; Africa; Canada; New Zealand; the Caribbean and other former colonial regions. Some of the major topics discussed in Post-Colonial Drama include: * the interactions of post-colonial and performance theories * the post-colonial re-stagings of language and history * the specific enactments of ritual and carnival * the theatrical citations of the post-colonial body Post-Colonial Drama combines a rich intersection of theoretical approaches with close attention to a wide range of performance texts.
#2963292 in eBooks 2002-09-11 2002-09-11File Name: B000FBFE2I
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beyond my expectationsBy sugarmag424This autobiographical book by the accomplished actor;play wright and scholar exceeded my expectations. I expected "how I did things well" and got a thoughtful discourse on the importance of actively listening to another person. Ms. Deveare Smith is generous with her method of designing questions which have allowed her to produce her award-winning plays.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Review of Talk to Me:Listening Between the LinesBy Andrew WhalanAnna Deavere Smiths Listening Between the Lines is an inspiring story of her career and her journey. Its a story of how curiousity and exploration unlocks the real people through listening to them.13 of 19 people found the following review helpful. Empty Promises; Wasted WordsBy D. A GiacaloneProfessor Anna Deavere Smith promises a lot to the readers of "Talk to Me." She delivers very little. Her insights and conclusions are one-liners that could barely fill a page of print -- there is no amplification; no explanation; no theory applied or proposed for application elsewhere. The book is mostly a disjointed journal; interrupted by disjointed quotations and commentaries; and given ersatz gravitas through strained historical analogies; borrowed expertise; and insider quips.Dont believe the liner notes. If you are looking for insights about the American presidency; or "the relationship of the press to the presidency;" look elsewhere. If you hoped to better understand the relationship of the arts to American culture; or the struggles of minorities and women to Americas identity crisis; you will be disappointed.The books subtitle is "Listening Between the Lines;" but the author gives us no clue how to do that; beyond a confusing suggestion to look for "trochees." If "Talk to Me" has any useful substance; it must also be "between the lines;" because it surely is not in the text. In her theater performances; Ms. Smith may very well help the audience find the soul and character of America through its words. But; this book shows how poorly the transcribed word [especially mere snippets from lengthy conversations] can capture a persons spirit; much less an institutions or a professions.The combination of talent and magic and connection that makes Ms. Smiths techniques work in the theater simply cannot be transfered to the printed page -- at least; has not been in this book.I cant imagine who might find this book worth the time and effort. Any person well-read in race relationships and civil rights; political science; acting; or sociology; will find little fresh food for thought; and certainly nothing to chew on. And; those with little background in these disciplines will find a confusing shopping cart of ingredients; but no finished meal nor recipe for creating one.I did learn a few things from "Talk to Me": (beyond Ms. Smiths travel schedule and enviable list of accomplishments and friends): (1) interesting people dont always write interesting books; (2)even MacArthur Fellows have a hard time transfering talent from one medium to another; and (3) even Charlie Rose can tout a very mediocre book.Id love to have Anna Deavere Smith at a dinner party; but I cant recommend her book to any one serious about the topics she purports to cover and enlighten or on a tight schedule.