David K. Sauer

The most complete record of a contemporary American dramatist available, David Mamet: A Resource and Production Sourcebook is the result of ten years' research by a widely published drama and theatre scholar and a university bibliographic specialist. Presenting a complete overview of all reviews and scholarshp on Mamet, the authors challenge assumptions about the playwright, such as the charge that he is an antifeminist writer. This comprehensive sourcebook is an essential purchase for Mamet scholars and students of American drama alike.David Mamet: A Resource and Production Sourcebook reflects the revolution underway in the study of drama, in which not only previous scholarship but performance reviews are a necessary part of research. It gives a complete listing and overview of over 250 scholarly articles and chapters of books on Mamet's plays. It also presents the complete production history of each play, including review excerpts. The authors have produced an invaluable guide to research into this key contemporary dramatist.

This book presents an accessible, informative and critical introduction to Mamet's modern college classic, "Oleanna". David Mamet is widely considered the voice of contemporary American Theatre. His use of what is taken to be realistic language together with minimalist staging creates a postmodern combination which simultaneously pushes an audience in conflicting directions. The result is that initial audiences for "Oleanna" were aroused to applaud and loudly react to the ending of the play when a male teacher beats a female student. The issues the play raises about political correctness are turned on their head."Oleanna" is a particularly complex play in terms of both form and content and this guide offers a theoretically informed introductory analysis. It provides students with a comprehensive critical introduction to the play and includes new interpretations of the play text in light of Mamet's recent playwriting developments and the intervening shifts in the political landscape."Continuum Modern Theatre Guides" offer concise, accessible and informed introductions to the key plays of modern times. Each book is carefully structured to offer a systematic study of the play in its biographical, historical, social and political context, an in-depth study of the text, an overview of the work's production history including screen adaptations, and practical workshopping exercises. They also include a timeline and suggestions for further reading which highlight key critical approaches. This will enable students to develop their understanding of playwrights and theatre-makers, as well as inspiring them to broaden their studies.

This book presents an accessible, informative and critical introduction to Mamet's modern college classic, "Oleanna". David Mamet is widely considered the voice of contemporary American Theatre. His use of what is taken to be realistic language together with minimalist staging creates a postmodern combination which simultaneously pushes an audience in conflicting directions. The result is that initial audiences for "Oleanna" were aroused to applaud and loudly react to the ending of the play when a male teacher beats a female student. The issues the play raises about political correctness are turned on their head."Oleanna" is a particularly complex play in terms of both form and content and this guide offers a theoretically informed introductory analysis. It provides students with a comprehensive critical introduction to the play and includes new interpretations of the play text in light of Mamet's recent playwriting developments and the intervening shifts in the political landscape."Continuum Modern Theatre Guides" offer concise, accessible and informed introductions to the key plays of modern times. Each book is carefully structured to offer a systematic study of the play in its biographical, historical, social and political context, an in-depth study of the text, an overview of the work's production history including screen adaptations, and practical workshopping exercises. They also include a timeline and suggestions for further reading which highlight key critical approaches. This will enable students to develop their understanding of playwrights and theatre-makers, as well as inspiring them to broaden their studies.