Theatre audiences : a theory of production and reception

Bennett, Susan

ISBN 10: 0415044952 / ISBN 13: 9780415044950

Published by London : Routledge, 1990

About this Item

Near fine copy in the original title-blocked cloth. Slightest suggestion only of dust-dulling to the spine bands and panel edges. Remains particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong. Physical description: ix, 219 pages ; 23 cm. Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 194-212) and index. Subjects: Theater audiences; Criticism; Reader-response criticism. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 421326

Bibliographic Details

Title: Theatre audiences : a theory of production ...

Publisher: London : Routledge

Publication Date: 1990

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

Focusing on the non-traditional theatres of the last 30 years, theatres which demand an active and creative role of their audiences, the text offers insights into spectatorship which also apply to audiences of traditional theatres who often contribute subtly to theatrical events. This is a study of the audience looking at both theories of audience reaction, and the kinds of spectators that different theatre practice attract and to some extent create. Bennett examines specific theatres - their advertising, architecture, staging - and analyzes the symbiotic relationship they have with their audiences. The author's focus on the sociology of performance challenges conventional ways of teaching drama which rely on dramatic texts.

Review:

"Bennett's book is enormously useful and compelling."
-Jill Dolan, "Theatre Journal