The Art of Dramaturgy (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780300233698)

An introduction to the mysterious theater role of a dramaturg by a legend in the field

"This book is marvelous. . . . Fascinating. . . . An absolute joy to read."--Gil Roth, Virtual Memories podcast

Anne Cattaneo was among the first Americans to fill the role of dramaturg, one of theater's best kept secrets. A combination of theater artist, scholar, researcher, play advocate, editor, and writer's friend, it is the job of a dramaturg to "reflect light back on the elements that are already in play," while bringing a work of theater to life. Cattaneo traces the field from its beginnings in the eighteenth century to the present and chronicles the multitude and variety of tasks a dramaturg undertakes before, during, and after a production is brought to the stage. Using detailed stories from her work with theater artists such as Tom Stoppard, Wendy Wasserstein, Robert Wilson, Shi-Zheng Chen, and Sarah Ruhl, as well as the discovery of a "lost" play by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, Cattaneo provides an invaluable manual to those studying, working in, and interested in this most fascinating profession.

Author: Anne Cattaneo
ISBN-10: 0300233698
ISBN-13: 9780300233698
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 09/21/2021
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 09/01/2022