The Contemporary Monologue" is an exciting selection of speeches of all types; serious and comic; realistic and absurdist; drawn from plays written by contemporary playwrights over the past ten years. Updating the popular "Modern Monologues;" this fresh collection of speeches represents the best American and English playwrights of today including Caryl Churchill; Ariel Dorfman; John Guare; David Mamet; Tony Kushner; Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. Organized for maximum benefit to the actor gleaning for background material; individual selections are introduced with a summary of the plays action up to the point the speech begins. A brief sketch of the character is also given; utilizing; where possible; the playwrights own words. Finally; a commentary follows each monologue; alerting the actor to details in the speech that could help him/her perform it better. Some of the highlights of "The Contemporary Monologue" for men include selections from "Angels in America;" by Tony Kushner; " Frankie and Johnnie in the Clair de Lune;" by Terrence McNally; "States of Shock;" by Sam Shepard; and "Speed-the-Plow; " by David Mamet.
#1280512 in eBooks 2013-05-13 2013-05-13File Name: B00AC2HUIQ
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Great gift for a New YorkerBy ChrisIf you are from New York or have spent any amounts of time in the city; you know how amazing of a place it is.. This takes what Ive known about NY and changed my perspective on it completely. I no longer think of Grand Central as Grand Central; I no longer see Times Square as just Times Square. This book makes you really think about the history of each place and the stories it would tell if it could talk. Really interesting read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. From another Map LoverBy J. K. BerryWhat a treasure this book is both because it confirms my long held belief that maps are a vehicle for creativity; storytelling; and self-discovery; and because it is beautifully done. The book is sumptuous to hold; feeling something like the letter press maps must have as she handed them out. The responses are so varied and colorful; and share intimate stories by way of very simple lines on the maps.I too write books about making maps; Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking; and am so gratified to find a kindred spirit in Becky Cooper.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Sherry MonahanI love this as I am a Manhattanite. Classic!