Arthur Wing Pinero

Broschiertes Buch

The Big Drum

A Comedy In Four Acts

Beschreibung

A sharp spark in the lamp-lit drawing rooms of late Victorian England, The Big Drum stages social pretence with a keen, affectionate bite. Bright, brisk, and full of heart, this restored classic gives modern readers a window into a world where chance, vanity, and wit collide. Pinero's Victorian farce play sails along a rhythm of mistaken assumptions and theatrical bravura, a stage farce drama that revels in the theatre district's bustle. The comedy tracks marriage satire themes with sparkle and insight, balancing farce with precise social observation. Readers will relish the interwoven jokes, the razor-edged dialogue, and the way miscommunication spirals into comic truth. It is more than entertainment: it is a theatre study reference in living form, a piece that classic theatre students and enthusiasts can study for timing, structure, and portraiture of characters. This edition marks literary and historical significance: after decades out of print, Alpha Editions has restored The Big Drum for today's audience and for future generations. It is not merely a reprint but a collector's item and a cultural treasure. Fans of Oscar Wilde plays and George Bernard Shaw theatre will find echoes and contrasts that enrich understanding of late Victorian drama. A gem for casual readers and dedicated collectors alike, it invites readers into the honesty, satire, and invention that defined London's theatre world, including the people and ambitions of amateur theatre troupes.

Autor

Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934) was a pivotal figure in the late Victorian and Edwardian theatre scene, renowned for his contributions as a playwright. His forte in crafting comedies and farces was unparalleled, though he also managed to leave a significant mark with his more serious 'problem plays'. Pinero was born in London and initially trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which lent him a practical understanding of the stage-an insight that profoundly influenced his dramatic compositions. His literary career burgeoned with 'The Magistrate' (1885), leading to a prolific output that included 'The Second Mrs Tanqueray' (1893), lauded for its bold exploration of social issues. 'The Big Drum' (1915) attests to Pinero's versatility, embodying the socio-political concerns of his time. A dominant theme in his work was the interplay of personal morals and societal expectations, often addressed with both humor and poignant criticism. Pinero's style evolved from the farcical levity of his early works to the more structured and socially-conscious later plays, allowing him to navigate both public entertainment and critique. His extensive canon-over 50 plays-has left an indelible mark, contributing significantly to the development of modern theatre. Pinero was knighted in 1909, recognizing his substantial contributions to British drama. Today, he is remembered not only for his work but also for paving the way for future generations of playwrights.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Alpha Editions
• Seitenzahl: 168
• Erscheinungstermin: 17. August 2021
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 9mm
• Gewicht: 254g
• ISBN-13: 9789354941078
• ISBN-10: 9354941079
• Artikelnr.: 62479430