The Noam Chomsky Lectures

by Daniel Brooks, Guillermo Verdecchia

'Ordinarily, theatre relies on illusion in order to reveal truths. The Noam Chomsky Lectures relies on truths in order to reveal illusion. Following the impetus of Chomsky himself, Brooks and Verdecchia have recognized that mass media, mass spectacle, have trivialized and severed consciousness and conscience, separating both from a communal base. We collectively know little about what is done in our name by our elected governments and the business interests they serve. The Noam Chomsky Lectures assumes not only that we do want to know, that our 'knowing together' may change things, but also that it is less painful to know than to not know.' — Joyce Nelson in her introduction, cited on back cover.

Genres: Plays, Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Theatre

Paperback

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Niki Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intelligent, witty and clever

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this play was something of a game-changer for me. (Perhaps the only play where a copy of the footnotes were made available after the show.) Though the show is arguably trapped in time by its own particulars, the broad concepts remain applicable, particular concerning the way information is communicated and disseminated. And the play-wide motion toward -- I hate to even call it a "redefinition" of theatre -- how about a "reclarification" or a "recommitment" of theatre? That was revelatory.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful introduction to the degree to which the corporate news media disseminates dis-information And a fun reminder of the importance of Chomsky in providing a voice against the agents manufacturing consent.

I also was inspired by how the writers morphed theatre into an entertaining lecture hall! Or did they morph a lecture into theatre?! This is what great instructors do naturally, of course, but who are very rare. Well, in this little play that could, Brooks and Verdecchia proved themselves great instructors — and better than passable dramatists.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would play better than it reads. This is a series of variations on ideas posited by Noam Chomsky, written and frequently rewritten to relate to current events in global politics and the Toronto theatre scene. Daniel Brooks and Guillermo Verdecchia play themselves as they tackle unjust reviewers, bigoted political commentators and everything else wrong with the world. Some of the dramatizations of Chomsky's ideas are very funny. Some of the political harangues I think I'd rather see performed than read.