Dark Attractions: The Theatre of Peter Barnes

Dark Attractions: The Theatre of Peter Barnes

by Brian Woolland (Author)

Synopsis

A major study of the work of one of Britain's best-known dramatists Peter Barnes was one of the UK's most significant, prolific and enduring playwrights. This book offers a major critical appraisal of the canon of Barnes' work, including a detailed study of his best-known plays, The Ruling Class, Bewitched, Laughter!, Red Noses, and Dreaming, as well as a selection of his television and radio plays which illuminate his thematic concerns, and offer key insights into his dramatic methods. Through this examination, Brian Woolland shows that many of Barnes' plays have remarkable contemporary relevance, and are formally far more innovative than has hitherto been recognised. Woolland analyses the ways in which Barnes uses and subverts theatrical traditions, and relates his work to relevant critical contexts: theatrical, critical and socio-political. Deservedly, Barnes' use of comedy is given special attention. It is a sad truth that Barnes' great talents have not always been acknowledged by the theatrical establishment. In this exciting study, Barnes finally gets the recognition he deserves, as one of the most original, daring and exuberant dramatists of his generation.

$84.19

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 330
Publisher: Bloomsbury 3PL
Published: 16 Sep 2004

ISBN 10: 0413774422
ISBN 13: 9780413774422

Author Bio
Brian Woolland is a Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at the University of Reading. His research interests are in Renaissance Theatre in performance, modern European theatre, and theater in educati on. He also works as a playwright (whose plays have been published and performed professionally), an d as a theatre director.