David Edgar is an English playwright whose work is deeply rooted in a family tradition of theatre. From a young age, he demonstrated a profound interest in writing plays and the theatrical world. His plays often grapple with contemporary social and political issues, exploring them with a keen understanding of human nature. Edgar's dramatic style is recognized for its intellectual depth and its ability to draw audiences into the complex questions of our time.
How Plays Work is both a masterclass for playwrights and playmakers and a fascinating guide to the anatomy of drama. In this revised edition, Edgar brings the book right up to date with analyses of many recent plays, as well as explorations of emerging genres and new innovations in playwriting practice.
NEW! from Longman School DramaThis compelling play makes Stevenson's classic pre-1914 novella accessible to pupils, whilst remaining faithful to the original prose, allowing them to fully engage with the plot and themes.
This volume contains the best of David Edgar's work from the seventies
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror story.
It's a summary of the novel and it's created to students specially from Spain.
1989. An Eastern Bloc government on the brink of collapse. As the old regime retreats, former political prisoners join banned writers around the negotiating table... The Shape of the Table is part of David Edgar's post-Cold War trilogy of plays, which also includes Pentecost and The Prisoner's Dilemma. Witty and informative, this play is both an intensely topical account of what actually went on in the corridors of power and a timeless analysis of revolution in action. In particular the play explores not only the challenge of seizing power, but also the difficulty of relinquishing it. The Shape of the Table was first performed at the National Theatre, London, in 1990.
The narrative explores the intense clash between renowned figures Elia Kazan and Arthur Miller, delving into their contrasting artistic visions and personal beliefs. Set against the backdrop of the theater world, this drama promises to reveal the complexities of their relationship and the broader implications for the arts. Premiering at the Orange Tree Theatre in September 2024, it offers a fresh perspective on these iconic personalities and their impact on stage and screen.
Set against a backdrop of shifting political landscapes, this epic play explores the redefined fault-lines in society. With a sweeping narrative, it delves into the complexities of contemporary politics and its impact on individuals and communities. Premiering in October 2024, the production is a collaboration between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Headlong, promising a thought-provoking examination of modern governance and its repercussions.