David Edgar (1) (1948–)

A decent introduction to the basic structure of plays. Not a how to book so much as a general description of what plays are and what they do, including the distinction between different types of plays. Easy to read, none of the usual arrogant scold sound of playwriting craft books, and a totally open mind toward breaking rules. The main complaint I have is that it is extremely focused on the British stage, with quite a bit from other European authors, as well as Chekhov, but very little from show more the American stage. For an American writer, this can make it slightly less useful, as there are key differences in what you can get away with in European theatre as opposed to American theatre; still, a very good sourcebook. show less

Lively and wide ranging, the title of Edgar's study is slightly misleading, in that it draws nearly as much from film, novels and tv as it does from plays. A nice introduction to the study of drama.

I saw the play in London and bought the play text there.

3