Australian Contemporary Drama, 1909-1982: A Critical IntroductionThe book is the first to provide in one volume a cogent introduction to contemporary Australian drama from its faltering beginnings in 1909 to the mature achievements of the early 1980s. The work of the major playwrights Ray Lawler, Douglas Stewart, David Williamson, Alexander Buzo and Patrick White is analysed, as well as the work of other important but lesser known playwrights. Matters of structure, theme and style in these works are given particular attention, and the author outlines the historical and cultural milieu in the 19th century in which Australian theatre originated, and presents its development up through the modern «experimental» phase. This study is aimed at the non-Australian reader. |
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