Methuen Drama Engage Adaptation in Contemporary Theatre: Performing Literature (Hardcover)

Why are so many theatre productions adaptations of one kind or another? Why do contemporary practitioners turn so frequently to non-dramatic texts for inspiration? This study explores the fascination of novels short stories children s books and autobiographies for theatre makers and examines what becomes of literary texts when these are filtered into contemporary practice that includes physical theatre multimedia performance puppetry immersive and site-specific performance and live art. In Adaptation in Contemporary Theatre Frances Babbage offers a series of fresh critical perspectives on the theory of adaptation in theatre-making focusing on meditations of prose literature within contemporary performance. Individual chapters explore the significance and impact of books as physical objects within productions; the relationship between the dramatic adaptation and literary edition; storytelling on the page and in performance; literary space and theatrical space; and prose fiction reframed as found text in contemporary theatre and live art. Case studies are drawn from internationally acclaimed companies including Complicite Elevator Repair Service Kneehigh Forced Entertainment Gob Squad Teatro Kismet and Stan s Cafe. Adaptation in Contemporary Theatre is a compelling and provocative resource for anyone interested in the potential and the challenges of using prose literature as material for new theatrical performance.