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Playwriting

A Backstage Guide
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( 39 ratings, 7 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Playwriting by Prof. Dan Rebellato is a practical guide to understanding and creating contemporary theatre. It draws on a diverse range of plays, notably those from the National Theatre's repertoire, and embraces various dramaturgical styles and structures. This book is less about rigid rules and more about offering tools, provocations, exercises, and real-world examples to inspire and develop playwrights' craft.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2199
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for aspiring playwrights, theatre students, and anyone interested in contemporary dramatic writing and practice.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This book is ideal for anyone keen to understand how contemporary plays and playwrights work, particularly those wanting to write for the stage themselves. Drawing heavily on contemporary practice, it considers moments from a range of plays, with a focus on those from the National Theatre's repertoire.

The book embraces a range of different dramaturgical structures and styles popular today; plays by a diverse selection of writers; and the current openness of dramatic form. Playwriting is a book of tools, rather than rules, providing suggestions and provocations, exercises and tricks, examples and discussions. It serves as an ideal text for playwrights to hone their craft.

Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides

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  • Auditioning
    Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give the director the confidence they need to choose you. The insights and reassurances throughout...
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  • Playwriting
    This book is ideal for anyone keen to understand how contemporary plays and playwrights work, particularly those wanting to write for the stage themselves. Drawing heavily on contemporary practice, it considers moments from a range of plays, with a focus on those from the National Theatre's repertoire. The book embraces a range of different dramaturgical structures and styles popular today;...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Acting
    From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting. Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and The Boys, Death and The King's Horseman, The Comedy of Errors, and The Overwhelming...
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  • Puppetry
    Puppetry by Toby Olié offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows. The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights into: The benefits of using puppetry in your performance. How to research and design...
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  • Wigs, Hair and Make-Up
    Wigs, Hair and Make-Up is written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre. This book provides a rare glimpse into a process that very few people experience. It offers perspectives on the preparation before a production and the responsibilities during, as well as insights into training, career opportunities, and success. Drawing upon some of...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its insightful and informal approach, Playwriting is considered both inspiring and entertaining. Critics highlight Rebellato's deep knowledge of new theatre and his ability to demystify the writing process by sharing personal practice and referencing a wide array of plays, making it a valuable resource for contemporary UK theatre enthusiasts. David Eldridge calls him a perspicacious critic of the theatre scene, and Writers' Forum appreciates the practical tools and exercises offered.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350135833

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: Primary and secondary education, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 122.0mm

Height: 164.0mm

Weight: 140g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Dan Rebellato is an experienced, internationally performed playwright for theatre and radio. He has taught playwriting for 25 years for various universities, writers' groups, Arvon and elsewhere. He has also written widely and influentially on contemporary British theatre, with a focus on the theory and practice of new writing. He is Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London.

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