What is unique and essential about theater? What separates it from other arts? Do we need "theater" in some fundamental way? The art of theater; as Paul Woodruff says in this elegant and unique book; is as necessary - and as powerful - as language itself. Defining theater broadly; including sporting events and social rituals; he treats traditional theater as only one possibility in an art that - at its most powerful - can change lives and (as some peoples believe) bring a divine presence to earth.The Necessity of Theater analyzes the unique power of theater by separating it into the twin arts of watching and being watched; practiced together in harmony by watchers and the watched. Whereas performers practice the art of being watched - making their actions worth watching; and paying attention to action; choice; plot; character; mimesis; and the sacredness of performance space - audiences practice the art of watching: paying close attention. A good audience is emotionally engaged as spectators; their engagement takes a form of empathy that can lead to a special kind of human wisdom. As Plato implied; theater cannot teach us transcendent truths; but it can teach us about ourselves.Characteristically thoughtful; probing; and original; Paul Woodruff makes the case for theater as a unique form of expression connected to our most human instincts. The Necessity of Theater should appeal to anyone seriously interested or involved in theater or performance more broadly.
#637621 in eBooks 2011-11-15 2011-11-15File Name: B0053J7NYO
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Breathtaking!By A WriterThis book is simply riveting! I initially read "Pure Drop" about Jeff by another author. and I was not blown away it. but for anyone curious about these two incredible and magnificent people. I do recommend both. Im glad I read this one second. and I cannot sing its glories (no pun intended) highly enough. Its a remarkable investigation into the worlds these two grew up in. The layout of Tim/Jeff/Tim/Jeff was questionable at the start. but it was right all along. As a music junkie. a writer. a journalist and a musician myself we must salute people like David Browne who devote their lives to preserving not just the art but the personalities. historical accounts and cultural impacts of people like Jeff and Tim who were quite rogue and obscure in their lives and existing in a time that was so quickly shifting to digital (a world I dont think either of them wouldve been very comfortable in as artists).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read for any fan of Tim and/or Jeff BuckleyBy Michael TA fascinating read with great insight into the lives and music of the very musically creative but emotionally troubled Buckleys. I was a big fan of Tim from when Goodbye and Hello came out. It wasnt until I read this book that I learned that he was not that well known. and still isnt. but gained some recognition through Jeffs greater success. The parallels between their lives are quite striking. especially in view of the fact that Jeff barely knew his father. A well researched book with enough detail to make the reader feel that he is there with them through their trials. At times it is disconcerting to experience the turbulent inner lives of these two musicians. who resisted fame and what it takes to be a commercial success. preferring instead to be true their muse. The chapters alternate between Tim and Jeff which I found distracting after a while. so I just started reading Tims life through to the end. then went back and finished Jeffs part. I learned a lot about Tims music after he left Electra records. which I had never heard before. Some interesting stuff. but not on par with Goodbye and Hello and Happy Sad. in my opinion. The section on Jeffs last months and days was fascinating and sad as it became apparent that he was coming apart emotionally and mentally under the strain of the big label machinery. We are lucky that the posthumous album (disc one. that is) is as good as it is. especially in view of the fact that Jeff did not consider it finished. I like it better than Grace. partly because it is not so over-produced.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating on so many levelsBy podmomThis book presented a fascinating juxtaposition of the lives of Tim and Jeff Buckley. with every other chapter devoted in turn to one and then the other. Although he feigned indifference to his father during much of his life. Jeff wound up walking down some of the same self-destructive paths. In addition. this book provided a detailed view into the "popular" music business and how it can twist the lives and the creative visions of its artists. It illustrates the constant tension between artists. their fans. their creative visions. and the often-conflicting goals of the corporate music business.
