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 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.… (more)