Tynan on Theatre
Published
in book format, this title is actually a compilation of many of Kenneth Tynan’s
articles and reviews written about the theatre. The articles date from as early
as 1951-1959. In just ten years, Tynan wrote hundreds of essays and articles
now compiled here into six categories: British Theatre, Shakespeare, American
Theatre, European Theatre, Portraits, and then one last section for
Miscellaneous.
As
I had never truly been an avid reader of theatre reviews, except for when my
dad occasionally discarded the Arts & Entertainment section of The
Washington Post on Sunday mornings, this was a whole new type of reading
experience for me. I was, in fact, reading someone else’s experience. But the
wonderful thing about Mr. Tynan, in his reviews he doesn’t just critique, but
informs the reader with information about the play, the author and even the
creative team behind the play. In fact, his reviews are so well-informed on
most every aspect of the plays he has seen, that I find myself thinking that
this book could be considered an amazing reference not just intellectuals and
researchers, but actors, directors and most undoubtedly: playwrights.
To
give this publication the true attention it deserves, and to exercise my mind a
little more thoroughly, I have decided to discuss it by the sections into which
it is divided. So these reviews will start in England and end with portraits
and musings. This may take awhile, so prepare yourself for the first entry of my
thoughts on Tynan on Theatre: British
Theatre.
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