Dictionary of the theatre : terms, concepts, and analysis /

A translation of Pavis's Dictionnaire du Theatre (Paris, 1996; Pavis, theater studies, Univ. of Paris, is an international expert in theater theory), this alphabetically arranged subject encyclopedia defines theater concepts and terms in eight thematic categories: dramaturgy; text and discourse; actor and character; genres and forms; staging; structural principles and aesthetic questions; reception; and semiology. Classical, contemporary, technical, and media-related topics are included. Most entries give definitions and French, German, and Spanish equivalents. A few entries stop there (e.g., "climax"), but most range in length from a paragraph to seven pages. Charts and tables are used in a few cases. Since the only index is the thematic index at the front of the dictionary, its see and see also references are helpful. In the text of entries, words followed by an asterisk (e.g., "hamartia*") refer to other entries. Suggested readings are sometimes briefly cited. If a date is given, a complete citation is provided in the bibliography at the end of the dictionary. Recommended for university, special, and large public libraries. P. Flaherty; Eastern Kentucky University