The Theatre of Christopher Durang

The Theatre of Christopher Durang considers the works of one of the foremost comedic writers for the American stage. From Durang''s early success with the controversial Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You (1974) to his recent Tony Award-winning play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2012), he has been an original theatrical voice in American theatre. Edith Oliver, long-time theatre critic for The New Yorker , described Durang as "one of the funniest men in the world." Durang challenges traditional dramatic idioms with his irreverent comedies that are as shocking as they are prescient and compassionate . This volume provides the first comprehensive examination of Durang''s works and incorporates comedic theory to examine how laughter in performance subverts social conventions and hierarchies. Through a clear, detailed discussion of the plays, Miriam Chirico considers Durang''s use of black comedy, satire, and parody to explode such topics as: western literature, religion, dysfunctional families, and American social malaise. Robert Combs and Jay Malarcher provide additional critical perspectives about Durang''s works, detailing his use of alienation techniques and locating his place within the American parodic tradition. The book also includes a warm introduction by Durang''s former student, Pulitzer Prize-winner, David Lindsay-Abaire. The Theatre of Christopher Durang , in demonstrating how Durang has shaped contemporary theatrical possibilities, offers a valuable guide for students of American drama and comedy.>

Product details

• Authors: Miriam Chirico, Miriam (Eastern Connecticut State Univers Chirico, Miriam (Eastern Connecticut State University Chirico, Miriam M. Chirico, Miriam M. (Eastern Connecticut State Univ Chirico
• Assisted by: Patrick Lonergan (Editor), Kevin J. Wetmore Jr (Editor), Patrick Lonergan (Editor of the series), Lonergan Patrick (Editor of the series), Jr. Wetmore (Editor of the series)
• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2018
• EAN: 9781474288927
• ISBN: 978-1-4742-8892-7
• No. of pages: 248
• Series: Critical Companions; Critical Companions
• Subjects: Fiction > Poetry, drama; Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > English linguistics / literary studies; USA, LITERARY CRITICISM / Drama, PERFORMING ARTS / Theater / History & Criticism, Theatre Studies, United States of America, USA, Literary studies: plays & playwrights, Literary studies: plays and playwrights