Arthur Miller and Company (1990): Arthur Miller Talks About His Work in the Company of Actors, Designers, Directors, and Writers
248pages
9 heures de lecture
Arthur Miller engages in a deep conversation about his writing techniques and the moral and political themes present in his plays. He emphasizes the necessity of upholding human values in a society that often disregards them. This insightful dialogue, first published in 1990, reveals Miller's passionate advocacy for the significance of ethical considerations in art and life.
Focusing on the career of playwright David Mamet, this analysis highlights his role as a sharp social critic. It delves into how Mamet's work critiques an America deeply influenced by the myths of frontier individualism and competitive capitalism, revealing the underlying corruption in these ideals. Through this lens, the book explores the complexities of Mamet's themes and the societal implications of his plays.
This book is open access and available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. It is funded by Knowledge Unlatched. Many of the American playwrights who dominated the 20th century are no longer with us: Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, Sam Shepard, Neil Simon, August Wilson and Wendy Wasserstein. A new generation, whose careers began in this century, has emerged, and done so when the theatre itself, along with the society with which it engages, was changing. Capturing the cultural shifts of 21st-century America, Staging America explores the lives and works of 8 award-winning playwrights – including Ayad Akhtar, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Young Jean Lee and Quiara Alllegría Hudes – whose backgrounds reflect the social, religious, sexual and national diversity of American society. Each chapter is devoted to a single playwright and provides an overview of their career, a description and critical evaluation of their work, as well as a sense of their reception. Drawing on primary sources, including the playwrights' own commentaries and notes, and contemporary reviews, Christopher Bigsby enters into a dialogue with plays which are as various as the individuals who generated them. An essential read for theatre scholars and students, Staging America is a sharp and landmark study of the contemporary American playwright.
Exploring the unique perspective of black Americans, this Companion delves into August Wilson's portrayal of their lives as both marginalized and central to the American narrative. It chronicles a century of history through Wilson's ten-play cycle, revealing how he celebrated a resilient community that shaped its future while acknowledging its roots. Each chapter offers insights into Wilson's life, career, and the broader context of his works, presenting an alternative historical narrative that resonates with both black America and an international audience.
A lot of things happened in 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge opened and the New York Yankees won the World Series. Amelia Earhart went missing and the Hindenberg fell out of the sky. In Flint, Michigan, though, there was a strike by General Motors workers, a strike marked by violence. Watching this was a young girl of fourteen whose mother was dying. But a bad year became worse. Kidnapped by a gang of men she is taken into the heart of a particular darkness only to escape, pursued by still others. Looking back from the age of sixteen she tries to make sense of what has happened and the violence she has witnessed. It is now 1939 and across the Atlantic another kind of violence is born. This is the story of a young girl growing up and of a world that she discovers can be unforgiving.
Television drama serves as a powerful medium for critiquing American politics, myths, and values, as explored by Christopher Bigsby. He delves into how this genre can challenge societal norms and provoke thought, highlighting its role in reflecting and shaping public discourse. Through insightful analysis, Bigsby examines the interplay between television narratives and cultural commentary, revealing the medium's capacity to influence perceptions and inspire change.
The book features a collection of interviews conducted by Christopher Bigsby with renowned writers during the Arthur Miller Centre's International Literary Festival. These insightful and engaging conversations delve into the intricacies of the writing process, revealing the challenges and triumphs faced by contemporary authors. Through humor and candidness, the interviews provide a unique perspective on the art and profession of writing, making it a valuable resource for both aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts.
The second volume of Christopher Bigsby's acclaimed biography of Arthur Miller explores his life from 1962 to 2005, detailing his creative output, personal losses, and political awakening. Bigsby offers fresh insights into Miller's complexities, enhancing our understanding of this influential playwright.