Chapter Sixteen gives an overview of the theatrical movements and forms that reflect the great diversity in contemporary society.
After reading this chapter you should:
1. Be aware that the social unrest found at the end of this century continues to be reflected in the theater.
2. Understand today's theater as one of diversity and eclecticism. Have some knowledge of the following:
Feminist theater
Asian-American Theater
Hispanic Thater
Native American Theater
Performance Art
Gay and Lesbian Theater
Postmodernism
Alternative Theater in Europe
Contemporary African Playwrights
3. Be familiar with the synopsis of Fefu and Her Friends by Maria Irene Fornes.
4. Based on your knowledge of theater from this book, have an understanding of the various directions that theater has the potential to take in contemporary times.
5. Be familiar with the following contemporary theater figures:
a. Michael Bennett
b. Tony Kushner
c. Charles Ludlam
d. Marian Irene Fornes
e. Marsha Norman
f. Beth Henley
g. Wendy Wasserstein
h. Suzan-Lori Parks
i. Pearl Cleage
j. Rachel Crothers
k. Caryl Churchill
l. Timberlake Wertenbaker
m. Pam Gems
n. Karen Finley
o. Robbie McCauley
p. Spaulding Gray
q. Bill Irwin
r. Anna Devere Smith
s. Robert Lepage
t. Issei Orgata
u. Elizabeth LeCompt
v. Wilem Dafoe
w. Julie Taymor
x. Athol Fugard
y. Wole Soyinka
z. Tom Stoppard
aa. Peter Stein
bb. Yuri Lubimov
cc. Tadeusz Kanto
dd. Ariane Mnouchkine
ee. Deborah Warner
6. Understand that theater competes today with many new forms of entertainment brought about by developing computer technologies: internet, downloadable music, live action games, DVDs.