Asian American Playwrights: A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313314551)

In the late nineteenth century, Asian American drama made its debut with the spotlight firmly on the lives and struggles of Asians in North America, rather than on the cultures and traditions of the Asian homeland. Today, Asian American playwrights continue to challenge the limitations of established theatrical conventions and direct popular attention toward issues and experiences that might otherwise be ignored or marginalized. While Asian American literature came into full bloom in the last 25 years, Asian American drama has yet to receive the kind of critical attention it warrants. This reference book serves as a versatile vehicle for exploring the field of Asian American drama from its recorded conception to its present stage.

Included are alphabetically arranged entries for 52 Asian American dramatists of origins from India, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and China. Each entry includes relevant biographical information that contextualizes the works of a playwright, an interpretive description of selected plays that spotlights recurring themes and plots, a summary of the playwright's critical reception, and a bibliography of primary and secondary works. The entries are written by expert contributors and reflect the ethnic diversity of the Asian American community. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography, which includes anthologies, scholarly studies, and periodicals.

Author: Miles Liu
ISBN-10: 0313314551
ISBN-13: 9780313314551
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 05/30/2002
Pages: 424
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.67lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.94d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 10/15/2002 pg. 440
Choice 02/01/2003 pg. 958
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2003 pg. 470