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The Major Critical Texts From Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel: A Comprehensive Guide to Performance Studies

Gabriel Hayes

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Published in Theatre/Theory/Theatre: The Major Critical Texts From Aristotle And Zeami To Soyinka And Havel (Applause Books)

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Performance studies is a relatively new field of academic inquiry, but it has quickly become one of the most dynamic and innovative areas of research. This is due in part to the fact that performance studies draws on a wide range of disciplines, including theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts. As a result, performance studies offers a unique perspective on the human experience and can help us to understand the ways in which we communicate, interact, and make meaning.

Theatre/Theory/Theatre: The Major Critical Texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel (Applause Books)

by Barbara Isenberg

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	499 pages

One of the most important aspects of performance studies is the study of critical texts. Critical texts provide a framework for understanding performance and can help us to identify the key elements that make up a performance. In this book, we will explore some of the most important critical texts that have shaped the field of performance studies. These texts include Aristotle's Poetics, Zeami's Treatise on Flower Viewing, Soyinka's Myth, Literature and the African World, and Havel's Letters to Olga.

Aristotle's Poetics is one of the earliest and most influential works of performance criticism. In this work, Aristotle sets out a theory of tragedy and comedy. He argues that tragedy is the imitation of a serious and complete action that arouses pity and fear in the audience. Comedy, on the other hand, is the imitation of a low and ridiculous action that arouses laughter in the audience.

Zeami's Treatise on Flower Viewing is a classic work of Japanese theater criticism. In this work, Zeami sets out a theory of Noh theater. He argues that Noh theater is a form of ritual performance that is designed to create a state of enlightenment in the audience. Noh theater is highly stylized and symbolic, and it uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of otherworldliness.

Soyinka's Myth, Literature and the African World is a seminal work of African theater criticism. In this work, Soyinka argues that African theater is a unique and powerful form of expression that can be used to challenge oppression and promote social change. Soyinka's work has been influential in the development of postcolonial theater and has helped to bring African theater to a global audience.

Havel's Letters to Olga is a collection of letters that Havel wrote to his wife during his imprisonment in Czechoslovakia. In these letters, Havel reflects on the nature of theater and its role in society. He argues that theater is a form of resistance that can help to create a more just and equitable world.

These are just a few of the many critical texts that have shaped the field of performance studies. By studying these texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of performance and its role in society. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about performance studies.