Metatheatre A New View Of Dramatic Form

Metatheatre: A New View of Dramatic Form by Lionel Abel is a book that explores the concept of metatheatre, which is the use of self-referential elements in a play that draw attention to the theatricality of the performance itself. Abel argues that metatheatre is not a new phenomenon, but rather a fundamental aspect of dramatic form that has been present throughout the history of theatre. The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the concept of metatheatre and its historical development, from the ancient Greeks to modern theatre. The second part examines specific examples of metatheatre in plays by Shakespeare, Moliere, Ibsen, and Brecht, among others. Abel analyzes how these playwrights used metatheatre to comment on the nature of theatre, society, and human existence. The third part of the book explores the implications of metatheatre for contemporary theatre practice. Abel argues that metatheatre can be used to challenge conventional theatrical conventions and to create new forms of theatrical expression. He also discusses the potential pitfalls of metatheatre, such as the danger of alienating audiences or losing sight of the emotional impact of a play. Overall, Metatheatre: A New View of Dramatic Form is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of a fundamental aspect of theatre. It will be of interest to theatre scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the history and theory of drama.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.