Alan Read asserts that there is no split between the practice and theory of theatre; but a divide between the written and the unwritten. In this revealing book; he sets out to retrieve the theatre of spontaneity and tactics; which grows out of the experience of everyday life. It is a theatre which defines itself in terms of people and places rather than the idealised empty space of avant garde performance.Read examines the relationship between an ethics of performance; a politics of place and a poetics of the urban environment. His book is a persuasive demand for a critical theory of theatre which is as mentally supple as theatre is physically versatile.
#2968306 in eBooks 2003-09-02 2003-09-02File Name: B000OT87YI
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Short SurveyBy Frank BellizziWell; I have to say; this is the first book in the Very Short Introductions series that I have enjoyed this much. (Ive read maybe five others). The authors of the series are true experts. The trouble; in my opinion; is the format. The size of these books means theyre more than an article; less than a complete survey. Its a tough job for an author. But Jerry Brotton manages to pull it off; I think. His coverage of "the Renaissance" begins with a good survey of the historiography; and includes sections on art; literature; humanism; religious reformation(s); women; exploration; etc.Like I said; at least several volumes in this series strike me as being too much and too little at the same time. But I think that this particular book is actually a very good short survey. I give it four stars and not five; only because many of the illustrations are mediocre (which seems to be a trend in the publishing business). I think Oxford University Press can do better. Judging from just the text; I give it five stars. Those who dont agree with this opinion might consider what it would be like to write your own book covering the Renaissance in the same number of pages.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A fine; engaging "very short introduction"By JThis is a very good; but imperfect; introduction to the Renaissance. Although one might quibble with phrasings that might be clearer or interpretations that might be more fully spelled out to avoid ambiguity; this is a fine "very short introduction" to the subject. The author makes use of a number of pieces of art well; even in the black and white format of the book. He also touches on the interaction between "east and west" in ways that seem unavoidable when studying the Renaissance; however; this was an area where I thought the subject matter invited and demanded more discussion.The final chapter on literature and the Renaissance seemed rushed; particularly the section on Shakespeare (the discussion of the sonnets was better than that of the plays).Although imperfect; this slim volume still accomplishes its aim; and its engaging brevity can propel readers both to explore more on their own and to be more informed; having read this book; when doing so.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. How We Got HereBy Edward VaughnGods bless the Greeks; and then the intellectuals of Florence; for without them we would still be awash in the miasma of Bible-think. A concise introduction to the exit ramp from that swamp and into the fresh light of reason and sanity. Thanks to the Medici Family.