The Theater of Lee Blessing
A Critical Study of 44 Plays
Published on 6. June 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
276 pages
978-0-7864-7110-2 (ISBN)
Description
Nominated for Pulitzer, Tony and Obie awards, among others, Lee Blessing has shaped American theater over the last 40 years. Tackling subjects like child abuse, racism, sexism and war, as well as baseball, love and religion, Blessing has dedicated himself to investigating and dramatizing both the triumphs and evils of contemporary society. This book examines for the first time all 44 of his plays, and includes one of his unpublished scripts, providing a definitive text on a playwright whose thought-provoking work has been performed around the world.
Reviews / Votes
"This work will interest researchers and practitioners of contemporary US drama and performance"-American Literature.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
28 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
452 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-7110-2 (9780786471102)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Philip Zwerling, now retired to the Mendocino Coast of California, previously taught creative writing at Ursinus College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is the author of seven books on film, theater and history.
Content
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1.?The Beginning
The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid
2.?The Estrogen Plays
Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music 20; Independence 27; Riches 33; Eleemosynary
3.?On Fields of Dreams
Oldtimers Game 46; Cooperstown 49; Cobb 50; Fantasy League 56; The Winning Streak 57; For the Loyal
4.?A Walk and a View
A Walk in the Woods 67; A View of the Mountains
5.?The Headline Plays
Two Rooms 85; Down the Road 93; Lake Street Extension 100; Patient A 104; The Rights 111; Going to St. Ives 112; Chesapeake
116; 34th and Dyer 119; Whores 120; Wood for the Fire 127;
Seven Joys
6.?The Race Plays
Black Sheep 134; Flag Day 139; Perilous Night
7.?Love Is All There Is
Thief River 150; The Roads That Lead Here 156; A Body of Water 159; The Scottish Play 165; Lonesome Hollow 169; Great Falls
174; Into You 179; Uncle
8.?The Rushmore Plays
Fortinbras 188; Tyler Poked Taylor 193; Reagan in Hell 195;
When We Go Upon the Sea
?9.?The Plays of Life, Death and Immortality
Cold Water 202; Heaven's My Destination 204; A User's Guide
to Hell Featuring Bernard Madoff 208; Unknown 213; Courting Harry 214; The Hourglass Project
10.?Writing for Movies and Television
11.?Curtain
Appendix 1.?The Awards
Appendix 2.?The Napkin Play
Appendix 3.?The Plays
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Preface
Introduction
1.?The Beginning
The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid
2.?The Estrogen Plays
Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music 20; Independence 27; Riches 33; Eleemosynary
3.?On Fields of Dreams
Oldtimers Game 46; Cooperstown 49; Cobb 50; Fantasy League 56; The Winning Streak 57; For the Loyal
4.?A Walk and a View
A Walk in the Woods 67; A View of the Mountains
5.?The Headline Plays
Two Rooms 85; Down the Road 93; Lake Street Extension 100; Patient A 104; The Rights 111; Going to St. Ives 112; Chesapeake
116; 34th and Dyer 119; Whores 120; Wood for the Fire 127;
Seven Joys
6.?The Race Plays
Black Sheep 134; Flag Day 139; Perilous Night
7.?Love Is All There Is
Thief River 150; The Roads That Lead Here 156; A Body of Water 159; The Scottish Play 165; Lonesome Hollow 169; Great Falls
174; Into You 179; Uncle
8.?The Rushmore Plays
Fortinbras 188; Tyler Poked Taylor 193; Reagan in Hell 195;
When We Go Upon the Sea
?9.?The Plays of Life, Death and Immortality
Cold Water 202; Heaven's My Destination 204; A User's Guide
to Hell Featuring Bernard Madoff 208; Unknown 213; Courting Harry 214; The Hourglass Project
10.?Writing for Movies and Television
11.?Curtain
Appendix 1.?The Awards
Appendix 2.?The Napkin Play
Appendix 3.?The Plays
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index