An American critic asks what a play is and why it differs from a novel, then works through the psychology of theatre audiences, the partnership of actor and dramatist, stage conventions, emphasis and the main types of drama. Later essays take on the business of the theatre, the demand for happy endings and the modern social play, much of it revised from his pieces for The Forum and The Bookman.
Lucid and practical, still useful to playwrights, actors and anyone curious how drama holds an audience. Download the free EPUB.