Summary of "Theatre Criticism - 2"

Summary of “[Theatre Criticism](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1138838055?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) - 2”

This lecture continues the introduction to theater criticism, focusing on various theoretical frameworks used to analyze and interpret theatrical works. It emphasizes that theater criticism, like literary criticism, requires selecting a theoretical lens to write a critique. The lecture covers multiple prominent approaches developed mainly in the 20th century, explaining their principles and illustrating their application with examples from well-known plays.

Main Ideas and Concepts

The nature of theater criticism: Criticism differs from reviewing; it requires structured analysis based on theoretical frameworks. Critics must consider form, content, context, and stakeholders.
Theoretical frameworks provide systems to understand and evaluate theater: These frameworks are borrowed from broader disciplines (philosophy, literature, psychology, sociology) and help analyze theater’s multiple dimensions.

Detailed Theoretical Approaches and Their Methodologies

1. Formalist Approach

Focuses on the form or structure of the play rather than its content or external context.
Analyzes:
- Dramatic structure (exposition, rising action, climax, resolution)
- Language, dialogue, rhetorical devices, rhythm
- Symbolism and imagery (motifs, metaphors, visual/auditory cues)
- Theatrical techniques (staging, lighting, costume, sound, performance style)
Example: Waiting for Godot Examines circular structure, minimalist setting, fragmented dialogue, symbolism (barren tree), and existential themes.

2. New Criticism

Similar to formalism but with an emphasis on close reading of the text itself.
Focuses on:
- Intrinsic qualities of the text, ignoring historical/biographical context
- Unity and ambiguity in plot, character, and theme
- Use of paradox and irony
- Aesthetic elements like light, sound, and costume
Example: A Streetcar Named Desire Analyzes dialogue, power dynamics, symbolism of the streetcar, motifs of light/darkness, nonlinear storytelling.

3. Historical Criticism

Analyzes plays within their historical, social, political, and cultural contexts.
Considers:
- Social attitudes, political events, intellectual trends at the time of writing/performance
- Biographical context of playwright and characters
- Reception history and cultural impact
Example: Death of a Salesman Explores postwar American consumerism, the American Dream, family dynamics, capitalism, and societal values.

4. Psychological Criticism

Uses psychological theories to analyze characters’ motivations, behaviors, and inner conflicts.
Employs Freudian concepts (id, ego, superego, defense mechanisms) and Jungian archetypes.
Examines trauma, memory, psychological realism, and plausibility of character behavior.
Example: A Streetcar Named Desire Studies Blanche’s denial and trauma, Stanley’s aggression, unconscious desires, and archetypal roles.

5. Marxist Criticism

Focuses on social, economic, and class dynamics in plays.
Analyzes:
- Class conflict, capitalist exploitation, commodification, and alienation
- Power dynamics within capitalist and patriarchal societies
- Calls for social change and critiques of morality tied to capitalism
Example: A Doll’s House Examines Nora’s role within patriarchal capitalism, class conflict with Torvald, and Nora’s radical self-liberation.

6. Feminist Criticism

Investigates representation of women, gender roles, agency, identity, and intersectionality (gender, caste, class, religion).
Explores patriarchy, gender-based oppression, resistance, empowerment, and women’s perspectives often marginalized in mainstream discourse.
Example: Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana Analyzes female characters’ negotiation with patriarchal norms, identity struggles, and critique of gender-based violence.

7. Queer Criticism

Examines LGBTQ+ representation, sexuality, gender identity, and power dynamics beyond binary frameworks.
Challenges heteronormativity and celebrates queer experiences.
Looks at queer aesthetics (surrealism, fantasy, nonlinear narrative) and critiques homophobia and AIDS stigma.
Example: Angels in America by Tony Kushner Studies gay identity, AIDS crisis, internalized homophobia, and resistance within marginalized communities.
Also notes nuanced queer readings in less overt texts, emphasizing hidden voices and intersectional identities.

Key Lessons and Takeaways

Theater criticism is enriched by multiple theoretical frameworks; no single approach is sufficient alone.
Critics must choose an appropriate lens depending on the play’s content, context, and their analytical goals.
Frameworks evolve over time, with new theories like queer criticism expanding the field.
Close reading, contextual understanding, and interdisciplinary insights are essential for comprehensive criticism.
Examples from canonical plays illustrate how these theories are applied in practice.

Speakers and Sources Featured

Unnamed Lecturer/Professor: The sole speaker throughout the lecture, providing explanations, examples, and guidance on theater criticism methodologies.
Referenced Playwrights and Plays:
- Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot)
- Tennessee Williams (A Streetcar Named Desire)
- Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman)
- Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House)
- Girish Karnad (Hayavadana)
- Tony Kushner (Angels in America)
Theoretical Influences Mentioned:
- Freudian psychoanalysis
- Jungian archetypes
- Marxist theory
- Feminist theory
- Queer theory

This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of major theoretical approaches in theater criticism, equipping students with tools to analyze plays from diverse perspectives and encouraging critical thinking beyond surface-level interpretations.