The History of Theatre

by David Timson, Derek Jacobi (Narrator)

The History of Theatre is a bold undertaking that covers Western theatre from ancient Greece to the present day. It traces the development of dramatic art through the miracle plays, the great Shakespearean period, Moliere and Racine in France, Goethe in Germany, through the nineteenth century, and the main movements of the twentieth century.

Illustrated by numerous examples of differing styles with historical recordings and excerpts from nearly fifty plays, The History of Theatre is a fascinating journey into the world of performing arts.

Genres: History, Drama, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audio CD

Published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ivy-Mabel Fling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this summary of the development of theatre exceptionally good - one of its absolute highlights is that it includes works from outside the anglo-saxon realm. A brilliant starting point for anyone interested in getting a general overview of drama.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Review to come later.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read to me as a person who seldom goes to theatre performances. It covers the development and evolution of the theatre from Ancient Greece to present day and explains major changes over many generations to stage, props, costumes, actors, and more. There are examples used to explain the points made about the differing styles and includes historical recordings (audio book version) and excerpts from almost 50 plays. And it was written by British actor and director David Timson. This is similar to another series about classical composers that include samples of their works (audio book) interlaced with biographical information about the composers. It is a relatively short way to become more familiar with the theatre of the past and of today.

[Steve Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was solid and educational overview of the history of European and American theater. I don't doubt there was much it missed given its brevity, but it was still very good.

The audiobook is narrated by the famed Shakespearean actor, Derek Jacobi, with small excerpts from scenes of various works performed by professional actors. The one flaw with the audiobook was that the sound wasn't consistent. An actor or actress would lower their voice to a whisper, and I'd have to fiddle the volume dial back and forth so I could understand them...then it would be back to Jacobi and his loud and clear projection, and I'd nearly get my ears blown out.

What I kept thinking as I listened to the work was that I'd like the book...and like to read along with Jacobi. I may yet do that.

[Timothy D McKennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice concise outline of theatre history

Would recommend to beginning theatre students and those who are interested in a simplified overview of theatre history, and some of the major works and playwrights in western civilization.

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff. Like a lot of theatre books, it takes a distinctly English perspective.

[Lincoln Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent survey of European theater, from the Ancient Greeks to the 1960's. The audiobook features dramatic scene excerpts for each era, which really bring the plays to life.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The aothor makes the excellent point that theater, done well, is actually quite participatory for the autdience. It might have been even better if the truly historical theater (say, 300 years and older) had taken up a larger part of the work. But one supposes that what makes for the participatory militates against having better access to the actual performances - we are really reading about what critics and and the audience said ABOUT the earlier works. I was quite surprised to learn that British theater was basically outlawed during the years of Cromwell, and was not freed of its shackles until 1968. The fact that upon the change in law the immediate impact was lots of violence and nudity on the stage might begin to have us understand the rationale behind the prohibition; interesting. This work was far from exhaustive, but well worth the time spend listening.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book patiently waited on my 'to read' shelf and here I've read Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell (stupid goodreads doesn't allow me to insert book/author, plaque upon their houses), so it fitted very nicely into my reading queue.
Decent overview of the evolution of theater, starting with the Greeks, moving to the Middle Ages and Renaissance and then transitioning to contemporary theater in Europe and America.
Audio book has inserts from theater performances, and while it seems like a delightful addition, it really is not. Some inserts were literally wailings or thunderous rantings, whisperings or screechings and disturbing - all of them.

[Nicole Ankenmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook: 05hr 10m

If you had trouble committing your undivided attention to first-year English Studies lectures, you may find your thoughts wandering as you listen to this book for similar reasons. It's interesting information, when you're in the mood for a lesson, but if there's a pot of something on the stove you probably aren't at risk of burning it -- at least, not because you'll be unshakably absorbed by what's in your ears. I don't know your culinary skill level. Multitask at your own risk.

[Jason Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a good overview of the evolution of theater. It starts out with the Greeks, the moves to the Middle Ages and then transitions to theater in Europe and America. I thought more theater movements in Asia and South America.