Violence in American Drama: Essays on Its Staging, Meanings and Effects

This collection of nineteen essays on violence in American theatrical productions examines the motivations of playwrights in depicting violent situations and themes, reflections of societal violence in dramatic works, and the reactions of audiences and critics to depictions of violence on the stage. Arranged chronologically, the articles discuss major authors and texts as well as historical contexts and social and cultural trends that informed or were influenced by these works. The contributors are academics and theater professional from a variety of American and European institutions. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)