Title: Stages of struggle : modern playwrights and their psychological inspirations /
Authors: DiGaetani, John Louis, 1943-
Publisher: McFarland & Co.,
Year: 2008
Subjects: American drama History and criticism Theory, etc.; English drama History and criticism Theory, etc.; Dramatists, American Psychology.; Dramatists, English Psychology.; Autobiographical memory in literature.; Subjectivity in literature.; Playwriting.; Drama Technique
Abstract: "Luigi Pirandello, tormented by schizophrenia of his wife and family members, Noël Coward's self-obsessed characters reflect his own narcissism. Alcoholism is a recurrent theme in the works of many playwrights, including Eugene O'Neill, Edward Albee, and Brian Friel. This book looks at 20 playwrights to see how their examination of the disturbed mind influenced the modern theater"--Provided by publisher.
Contents: George Bernard Shaw--the gay subtext -- Luigi Pirandello--schizophrenia -- Noel Coward--narcissism -- Samuel Beckett--decadence and the suicidal impulse -- Tennessee Williams--sibling rivalry -- Eugene O'Neill, Edward Albee, Simon Gray, Brian Friel, Martin McDonagh--alcoholism -- Harold Pinter--sadomasochism -- Benjamin Britten--pedophilia -- Caryl Churchill, Joe Orton, Tom Stoppard--sexual dysfunction -- David Hare--transference -- David Mamet and Harvey Fierstein--gender roles and role playing -- Stephen Sondheim--perfectionism -- Tom Stoppard--logomania -- Stages of struggle, a Wagnerian conclusion.