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The Playwright's Manifesto

How You Can Be The Future of Playwriting
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Playwright's Manifesto by Paul Sirett is a compelling call to arms for aspiring and established playwrights alike. It argues the vital role of plays in helping us understand ourselves and the world, urging writers to master their craft and embrace their unique voice. Unlike typical guides focused on plot and character, this manifesto delves deeply into theatricality as the playwright's essential tool, encouraging innovation informed by past and present theatre. The book also candidly explores the writing process, collaboration, and the mental health challenges faced by playwrights, celebrating the dynamic, live art form of theatre and inspiring writers to shape its future.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for playwrights, theatre practitioners, and students of drama seeking a fresh and passionate perspective on playwriting beyond conventional instruction. It appeals to those interested in theatrical innovation and the personal realities of writing for the stage.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Shortlisted for the STR Theatre Book Prize 2023

A manifesto for the future of playwriting, The Playwright's Manifesto challenges you to be a part of that future with the belief that it is fundamentally important to write plays. Plays help us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. As you read this book, you will be urged to learn your craft, explode what you know, prioritise what is important to you, and write in the uniquely personal way that only you can.

Most books on playwriting explain how to create a believable character in a story driven by plot. However, this book goes even further by exploring the playwright’s most valuable tool: theatricality. By learning from the past and the present, tomorrow's playwrights can create new, vivid, theatrical drama for the future.

This manifesto also examines the process of writing, the art of collaboration, and the impact of writing on a playwright’s mental health. It identifies the highs and lows, as well as the trials and tribulations, of life as a playwright in today’s world. Theatre is a living artform. It is time for playwrights to acknowledge that fact and to celebrate the unique, primal thrill that a live theatre experience offers us.

The future of playwriting is in your hands. Do you accept the challenge?

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350204287

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 400g

Pages: 296

About the Author

Paul Sirett is an award-winning playwright, dramaturg, musician and teacher. His theatrical works include the Olivier-nominated The Big Life (with Paul Joseph) at Theatre Royal Stratford East & West End, Rat Pack Confidential at Nottingham Playhouse & West End, and Come Dancing (with Ray Davies) at Stratford East. Other works include Bad Blood Blues (Theatrescience and Stratford East) and Worlds Apart (Stratford East), Reasons to be Cheerful (Graeae Theatre Company), and plays for Soho Theatre; Polka Theatre; Yellow Earth Theatre; Live Theatre, Newcastle; New Wolsey, Ipswich; Dukes, Lancaster; and the Edinburgh Fringe. Awards include, Best Off-West End Musical, Whatsonstage; Best Play, Pearson; Best Production, City Life; Best Writer & Best Play, New York International Radio Festival; and nominations for TMA, Evening Standard and Olivier awards. Paul has also worked extensively as a dramaturg for companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Soho Theatre, Ambassador Theatre Group, Trafalgar Entertainment, the Royal Court, and the National Theatre. He is currently an Associate Artist of Soho Theatre, Associate Fellow at the University of Warwick, Literary Associate at Trafalgar Entertainment, and Associate Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where he teaches playwriting and dramaturgy.

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