Dramaturgy: The Basics introduces the art of dramaturgy, explaining how dramaturgy works, what a dramaturg is, and how to appreciate their unique contribution to theatre-making. A wide-ranging account of the role of this vital element of theatre helps students and aspiring performance makers to apply dramaturgy to a full spectrum of theatrical disciplines.
This guidebook teaches dramatic theories and script analysis as essential skills for aspiring dramaturgs and illustrates the various methods of reading for specific functions of dramaturgy. Dramaturgy: The Basics offers practical step-by-step instructions on how to practice production dramaturgy, dramaturgy of new work, translation, adaptation, devised theatre, site-specific theatre, literary management, criticism, editing, producing, and dramaturgical innovation, with detailed questions to consider at each stage of the process. This book aims to help students develop a dramaturgical mindset, enabling them to build a critical, inquisitive, and socially conscious perspective that is beneficial in all professions and relationships. Resource lists, further reading guides, and chapter summaries make this an outstanding guidebook.
An essential read for anyone hoping to make, understand, or discuss theatre, Dramaturgy: The Basics provides a clear, accessible resource for approaching this integral but often misunderstood facet of theatre-making.
1. Dramatic Theory and Script Analysis 2. Reading as a Dramaturg 3. Production Dramaturgy 4. Dramaturgy of New Work 5. Other Core Practices of Dramaturgy 6. Dramaturg as Literary Manager 7. Dramaturg as Critic and Editor 8. Dramaturg as Producer and Innovator
Biography
Anne M. Hamilton is a freelance dramaturg and Founder of Hamilton Dramaturgy, an international dramaturgy consultancy.
Walter Byongsok Chon is Associate Professor of Dramaturgy and Theatre Studies at Ithaca College.
"Dramaturgy: The Basics is a profoundly engaging, accessible guide for dramaturgs. It’s packed on every page with useful suggestions and brilliant points of guidance on what to look for and how to research, sift, prepare and present information: in short, how to serve a production with depth, range and flexibility. This book should be on every list of essential texts in Theater Studies. And, for the theater-lover sitting in the stalls, it also provides a deeply absorbing look ‘behind the scenes.’" — Dr Philippa Kelly, Resident Dramaturg, California Shakespeare Theater, USA
"What a find! Dramaturgy: The Basics defines what dramaturgy is and shows how it's done with concrete examples. The authors have put a lifetime of experience into one concise resource that should be required reading for all theater undergraduates. If you want to understand how to create and develop new work, here are the trade secrets of professional dramaturgs." — Cate Cammarata, Off-Broadway producer and CUNY Baruch College Associate Professor, USA
