Foregrounding critical questions about the tension between the study of drama as literature versus the study of performance; Melinda Powers investigates the methodological problems that arise in some of the latest research on ancient Greek theatre. She examines key issues and debates about the fifth-century theatrical space; audience; chorus; performance style; costuming; properties; gesture; and mask; but instead of presenting a new argument on these topics; Powers aims to understand her subject better by exploring the shared historical problems that all scholars confront as they interpret and explain Athenian tragedy.A case study of Euripidesrsquo;s Bacchae; which provides more information about performance than any other extant tragedy; demonstrates possible methods for reconstructing the playrsquo;s historical performance and also the inevitable challenges inherent in that task; from the limited sources and the difficulty of interpreting visual material; to the risks of conflating actor with character and extrapolating backward from contemporary theatrical experience.As an inquiry into the study of theatre and performance; an introduction to historical writing; a reference for further reading; and a clarification of several general misconceptions about Athenian tragedy and its performance; this historiographical analysis will be useful to specialists; practitioners; and students alike.
#1676586 in eBooks 2014-06-26 2014-06-26File Name: B00KEW6A8A
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Success!By melanie *rainbowpixi*I NEVER review text books - but I felt like this one deserved it.It is one of the only (college) text books I have actually liked reading. It really doesnt feel like youre reading a text book when you are doing your chapter reading for class. It feels more like reading a good article online; for example. Or maybe a good "self help" book. For me; it has been enlightening at many points.It makes me see communication in an entirely different way - which; i guess; is the point - right?It really makes you feel like youve learned something; is easy to read (keeps your attention and doesnt bore you); and the material is realistically applicable to all areas of your life (i.e. work; school; friends; family; etc.)I must also say that it is one of the few text books that I will be keeping after the semester ends.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. CautionBy L. FletcherNote to potential buyers- Watch very carefully when you place your orders. I chose this book for my sons college class;he used it and attempted to trade it in;now realizing that the seller sold me an "Examination Copy" which; so far cannot be resold. In my case; the "Examination Copy" description was not listed anywhere; so I had no clue that the book I had was different from the one listed as described by . Very expensive lesson learned. I will now look up each and every textbook for trade in; as soon as I get them; and if they are not listed; I will return them immediatly!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Adam GAn amazing purchase. Were super happy with this.
