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The relationship between philosophy and theatre is a central theme in the writings of Plato and Aristotle and of dramatists from Aristophanes to Stoppard. Where Plato argued that playwrights and actors should be banished from the ideal city for their suspect imitations of reality, Aristotle argued that theatre, particularly tragedy, was vital for stimulating our emotions and helping us to understanding ourselves.
Despite this rich history the study of philosophy and theatre has been largely overlooked in contemporary philosophy. This is the first book to introduce philosophy and theatre. It covers key topics and debates, presenting the contributions of major figures in the history of philosophy, including:
what is theatre? How does theatre compare with other arts?
theatre as imitation, including Plato on mimesis
truth and illusion in the theatre, including Nietzsche on tragedy
theatre as history
theatre and morality, including Rousseau's criticisms of theatre
audience and emotion, including Aristotle on catharsis
theatre and politics, including Brecht's Epic Theatre.
Including annotated further reading and summaries at the end of each chapter, Philosophy and Theatre is an ideal starting point for those studying philosophy, theatre studies and related subjects in the arts and humanities.
List of contents
Preface 1. What is Theatre? Part 1: From the World to the Stage 2. Mimesis: Imitation and Imagination 3. Truth and Illusion 4. History in the Making Part 2: From the Stage to the World 5. A School of Morals? 6. Emotions 7. Collective Action: Theatre and Politics. Index
About the author
Tom Stern is a Lecturer in Philosophy and the Academic Director of European Social and Political Studies at University College London, UK.
Summary
Philosophy and Theatre is the first introduction to the topic, and an ideal starting point for those studying philosophy, theatre studies and related arts subjects.
