A guide to the hidden workings of plays and the trade secrets that govern their writing - by the acclaimed playwright Steve Waters. Drawing on a wide range of drama; both historical and modern; Waters takes the reader through the key elements of dramatic writing - scenes; acts; space; time; characters; language and images - to show how a play is more than the sum of its parts; with as much inner vitality as a living organism. Almost uniquely amongst accounts of playwriting; Waters book looks at the ways in which good plays move their audiences; generating powerful emotional responses that often defy conventional analysis. The Secret Life of Plays is for playwrights at any stage of their career; and will inspire and inform drama students as well as working actors and directors. Most of all it is for anyone who has ever laughed or cried in the theatre - and wants to know why. Thrilling... crammed with good; old-fashioned close reading of a diverse range of plays; which means that although Waters does primarily address those who write for the theatre; he does not forget those who like watching and reading it TLS Essential for aspiring playwrights Whatsonstage.com
#1419725 in eBooks 2013-05-23 2013-05-23File Name: B00CEYBJXC
Review
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful. Real; Accurate Tabs.By BaldyFirst; I cant believe the song list for this book isnt posted; so here it is:American BabyAnts MarchingBest of Whats AroundCrash into MeCrushDancing NanciesDont Drink the WaterDreamgirlEverydayGrace is GoneGrey StreetHunger for the Great LightI Did ItJimi ThingLouisiana BayouRapunzelSatelliteSay GoodbyeSo Much To SaySo RightThe Space BetweenStay (Wasting Time)Too MuchTripping BilliesTwo StepWarehouseWhat Would You SayWhere Are You GoingSecond; Im sure being a guitar player; and a DMB fan; you realize for the most part Dave isnt just strumming open chords and plays some complex riffs. Still not sure how he sings and plays some of these songs!The book tabs it out how Dave plays it; so the beginner will have some troubles. If youre patient and take the time to learn this stuff; not only will it sound better; but youll be a much better player. Please keep in mind that there are several versions and I am reviewing the "Play it like it is" guitar-vocal version.Also; it is the album versions; so there sometimes is a second guitar in there too. One of the cool surprises is that on a few songs they transcribe some of the violin parts for the guitar!All in all great book.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Does not contain TabsBy K. DavenportThis is the Piano/Vocal/Guitar version; which is NOT the "Play It Like It Is;" version with tabs. I know the other reviewer mentioned that; and its my fault for not making sure.Nonetheless; if you want the "Play It Like It Is;" version look in the top; left hand corner of the book and there will be a red tag that reads; wait for it;.... "Play It Like It Is Guitar."If youre just looking for chords and lyrics this book is fine; but if youre looking for guitar tabs be careful and get the right book; not this one.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Maria MacKayGood book