{"product_id":"the-oxford-illustrated-history-of-theatre-9780192129970","title":"The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre","description":"\u003cp\u003eReaching back in time and across the world  The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre  an authoritative and lavishly illustrated new history  celebrates the stages greatest achievements over 4 500 years  from festival performances in ancient Egypt to international  multicultural drama in the late twentieth century  and from Sophocles and Aristophanes to George Gershwin and Harold Pinter. Here are the playwrights  plays  actors  directors  producers  songwriters  famous playhouses  dramatic movements  and more  accessibly and attractively arranged so that everyone with a passion for the stage can follow the glorious procession of this triumphant art throughout history and across cultures. Beginning with the origins of theatre in Greece and Rome and in the early civilizations of Africa and the Americas  The Oxford Illustrated History of the Theatre guides readers through the full spectrum of dramatic representation--from medieval mystery cycles and miracle plays to the Renaissance in Italy  Spain  England  and France; from Calderon  Shakespeare  and Moliere to Tennessee Williams  Oscar Hammerstein  and Samuel Beckett; and from the Golden Age in Spain to the Dadaist movement and avant-garde. The distinguished contributors highlight what is most vital and defining about the theatre in any given period and uncover the means by which these distinctive achievements were created. Throughout  the book illuminates the theatres changing role within society  the reasons for the popularity or failure of a given production or trend  and the interplay between the theatre and other forms of art and with contemporary thought. It also gives due weight to how the scene backstage evolved through the centuries--the role of musicians  light  sound  and equipment  and the art of set design--and to the crucial role of the audience and critics. Finally  there are stimulating essays on the history of Asian theatre and a concluding account of theatre since 1970 by editor John Russell Brown that highlights the contributions of our best-loved contemporary playwrights  directors  and lyricists. Spectacular color and black-and-white illustrations throughout bring the very visual nature of theatre to life  serving as dramatic accompaniment to the text. The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre is an essential source of reference for anyone interested in the stage  from students and teachers to seasoned professionals and starry-eyed fans.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45279937364021,"sku":"ByrdShop_019212997X","price":94.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780192129970.jpg?v=1780616276","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-oxford-illustrated-history-of-theatre-9780192129970","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}