The History of Theatre Audiobook By David Timson cover art

The History of Theatre

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The History of Theatre

By: David Timson
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, cast
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Here is a diverse and fascinating story of the Theatre, from the first tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece to the high-tech mega-musicals of the late 20th century. It is an absorbing listen, encompassing ancient tales, medieval theatre, Commedia dell'Arte, the great dramas of the Elizabethan age, the foppish 18th century, and the European developments in France, Germany, and Spain with Russia making its main impact in the 19th century. As the 20th century progressed, the theatre moved in different experimental directions, particularly in America and Europe.

Interwoven within the story are the playwrights, the actors, the designers, and theorists who have kept this performing art flourishing for 2,500 years. All this is illustrated by more than 50 excerpts from plays and contemporary accounts, ranging from the controversial and innovative to sheer entertainment. So sit back, relax, you have front row seats, and listen to a rich a variety experience that is the Theatre.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2000 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd., All Rights Reserved (P)2000 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd., All Rights Reserved Entertainment & Performing Arts Theater

Editorial reviews

As with the successful "The History of Opera," Naxos produces the history of drama and the stage from ancient Greece through the twentieth century in an accessible program. With master Derek Jacobi and actors who excerpt from dozens of plays as guides, the listener is treated to a fascinating chronicle for students, aficionados - and even anyone with a passing interest in history or theater. Jacobi illuminates the cultural heritage surrounding each period in a style both grand and approachable. David Timson's text is rich and involving.

Critic reviews

  • Winner, Audio Publishers Association 2001 Audie Award, Original Work

"A fascinating chronicle for students, aficionados - and even anyone with a passing interest in history or theatre." (AudioFile)
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I really enjoyed this audiobook. It is a broad history of theater, interspersed with short vignettes of famous plays.

The nice thing is that the length of the dramatic selections performed is just about perfect. Just enough for you to get the idea being conveyed, but not enough that you begin to lose interest.

The author covers a lot of ground in a short time, but does a good job of bringing out what you need to know about each time period. The stories about the individual playwrights are interesting. I was also glad that the author spent a reasonable amount of time discussing the development of technical theater (lighting, scenery, costumes, etc..).

If you are a casual theater-goer, you'll probably get quite a bit out of this book. It may not be deep enough for those who have studied theater in college, but for the vast majority this will be a very good introduction.

I had this on my wish list for over 2 years and was always a little skeptical about buying it. Was very glad that I did.

Nice job!

Nice job! Very good basic overview of theater!

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There are 50 excerpts from plays and other dramatic performances. Derek Jacoby's narration is good but in my opinion it needs more theatrical excerpts for a work this long. This can be seen by comparing this to Naxos Audio Books' similar work History of Classical Music, which I also reviewed. It has many, many more excerpts to interrupt the narration.

Not enough excerpts

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Fantastic expanse of knowledge in an entertaining fashion! Great for anyone curious about the Theatre.

Theatre geek must read!

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A great survey and education in the range of the art from the beginnings in Greece.

Great survey

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