{"id":1003,"date":"2024-05-09T10:54:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T09:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2024-05-09T10:55:39","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T09:55:39","slug":"theatre-and-academia-how-the-library-enhances-your-performing-arts-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2024\/05\/09\/theatre-and-academia-how-the-library-enhances-your-performing-arts-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Theatre and Academia: How the Library Enhances Your Performing Arts Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Helena MacCormack<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. From Page to Stage: Exploring Performance Texts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The heart of theatre lies in storytelling, and our Library is a treasure trove of playtexts waiting to be explored. From timeless classics to contemporary works, the Library facilitates access to an extensive collection that spans genres, eras, and cultures. These scripts not only serve as material for productions but also provide a window into diverse narratives and styles, broadening your horizons and igniting your creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think it’s useful to know the names of the key publishers of dramatic texts in the UK. The standouts are Nick Hern Books, Oberon Books, Methuen Drama (an imprint of Bloomsbury) – if you look in the front matter of many of the scripts listed below, you’ll see these names cropping up frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A note on the Library’s classification system: playtexts are not kept in a section of their own, but live in the Literature area along with poetry, prose, and novels. This means that unfortunately you cannot browse the “drama area” without also encountering other types of literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Adobe\/Lightfield Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Drama subject guide<\/a> is a great place to start, listing a variety of resources for you to explore. However, here’s an overview with a few of my favourites picked out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Play collections comprising the work of a single author offer a unique opportunity to gain a richer understanding of the playwright\u2019s distinct voice, the themes, styles, and cultural contexts they engage with. They can also provide a comprehensive view of their evolution and range across different works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, anthologies featuring plays by multiple authors not only offer a diverse array of perspectives and styles that highlight the global richness of theatre, but also serve as a gateway to discovering new and emerging playwrights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete Plays<\/em> by Sarah Kane
Library shelfmark: PR 6061.A59 A19<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plays. 1.<\/em> by Caryl Churchill
Library shelfmark: PR 6053.H786 A6 V1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contemporary plays by Black British writers<\/em>, ed. Natalie Ibu
Library shelfmark: PR 1246.B53 C66<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plays. 1<\/em> by Willy Russell
Library shelfmark: PR 6068.U865 A19<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contemporary plays by women of colour: an anthology<\/em>, ed. Roberto Una
Online access via ProQuest Ebook Central<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plays one<\/em> by Harold Pinter
Library shelfmark: PR 6066.I53 A6 1996a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Five
Image: Adobe\/WavebreakmediaMicro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Individual plays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individual play scripts offer an opportunity to explore the intricacies of storytelling and character creation directly from the playwright’s perspective. By studying these scripts, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the narrative techniques and emotional layers that shape each performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From contemporary works to seminal classics, here are some of my favourite scripts that offer a diverse range of themes and narrative styles, available both online and in our library collection of physical items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil<\/em> by Ella Hickson
Online access via Drama Online Library<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Beauty Queen of Leenane<\/em> by Martin McDonagh
Library shelfmark: PR 6063.C377 B4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angels in America: a gay fantasia on national themes. Part 1, Millennium<\/em> by Tony Kushner
Library shelfmark: PS 3561.U778 A85 1992<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m A Phoenix, Bitch<\/em> by Bryony Kimmings
Library shelfmark: PR 6111.I46 I26<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burgerz<\/em> by Travis Alabanza
Online access via ProQuest Ebook Central<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Six characters in search of an author<\/em> by Luigi Pirandello
Library shelfmark: PQ 4835.I7 S45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An octoroon<\/em> by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Library shelfmark: PS 3610.A35673 O28<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since U been gone<\/em> by Teddy Lamb
Online access via ProQuest Ebook Central<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Heart<\/em> by Caryl Churchill
Online access via Drama Online Library<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Oberon book of queer monologues<\/em> by Scottee
Library shelfmark: PN 2080 OBE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The colour of justice <\/em>by Richard Norton-Taylor
Library shelfmark: HC 7150 UK (NOR)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Underlining
Image: Adobe\/Andrey Popov<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Interactive playtexts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re after a dose of critical thinking with your play-reading, Digital Theatre+ (more on them in the next section) host a couple of interactive playtexts – namely Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest<\/a> and Shakespeare’s Macbeth<\/a>. These documents use annotations to prompt thought or discussion, complete with links to their library of recorded performances so you can ‘see it in action’. Here’s hoping they produce more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Adobe\/Marcio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Multimedia Resources <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our library also has access to a valuable collection of recorded productions that bring the magic of theatre right to your screen. These recordings offer a fantastic opportunity to experience performances from renowned stages, anytime and anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our main two repositories of production recordings are Digital Theatre+ and the Alexander Street Press Video Collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Theatre+<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Digital <\/a>Theatre+<\/a> hosts numerous recordings of professional productions – want to experience Ibsen’s classic naturalist play A Doll’s House<\/em>? You can choose between the 2012 Young Vic stage production<\/a>, the 1992 Young Vic BBC production<\/a>, or the 2011 L.A. Theatre Works audio production<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore modern classics like Blood Brothers<\/a>, The Crucible<\/a>, and An Inspector Calls<\/a>, experience contemporary productions such as Animal Farm<\/a> and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time<\/a>, or go further back in time and enjoy timeless masterpieces like Lysistrata<\/a> and A Midsummer Night’s Dream<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does this repository hold plays, but musicals too – ranging from time-honoured Broadway smashes like Falsettos<\/a> and 42nd Street<\/a> to modern-day West End hits like Kinky Boots<\/a> and The Last Five Years<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It even holds shows as recent as 2023 like BKLYN<\/a> and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even better, you can explore by genre or theme, use their study guides, and access behind-the-scenes content like cast interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexander Street Press Video Collection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Alexander Street Press Video Collection holds more than 60,000 video titles across all disciplines, arranged in handy collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The University of Sussex has access to two of their most significant collections, holding performances from the UK’s most esteemed theatre companies, the National Theatre collection<\/a> and the Royal Shakespeare Company collection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Words<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the historical evolution of theatre is crucial for appreciating the rich tapestry of styles and influences that shape contemporary performances. The next post in this series will focus on the Library’s access to key resources and texts that trace these dynamic transformations across different eras and cultures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The heart of theatre lies in storytelling, and our Library is a treasure trove of playtexts waiting to be explored. From timeless classics to contemporary works, the Library facilitates access to an extensive collection that spans genres, eras, and cultures. These scripts not only serve as material for productions but also provide a window into diverse narratives and styles, broadening your horizons and igniting your creativity.<\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":412,"featured_media":1004,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[4491],"tags":[151045,202485],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/files\/2024\/05\/Adobe-Lightfield-Studios-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1709&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":829,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2024\/01\/25\/theatre-and-academia-series-how-the-library-enhances-your-performing-arts-education\/","url_meta":{"origin":1003,"position":0},"title":"Theatre and Academia Series: How the Library Enhances Your Performing Arts Education","date":"25 January 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"by Helena MacCormack As someone who has studied performing arts for years, I understand the unique journey that drama students embark upon. Theatre is a vibrant, living art form where practice and creativity take centre stage. However, there is a misconception that theatre students exist in opposition to academia due\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "The Library"","img":{"alt_text":"People sitting in a theatre. The image is taken from behind, facing the stage.","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/files\/2024\/01\/AdobeStock_95665646-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":789,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2023\/11\/03\/the-power-of-poetry-and-living-libraries-for-decolonial-dialogue\/","url_meta":{"origin":1003,"position":1},"title":"The Power of Poetry and Living Libraries for Decolonial Dialogue","date":"3 November 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Reposted on from Decolonial Maps of Library Learning blog\u00a031 October 2023\u00a0by\u00a0Alice Corble. As Black History Month draws to a close (yet\u00a0Black History must continue to be shared) and I adjust to the turn of the season and new positions, I want to reflect today on The Power of Poetry and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Black History Month"","img":{"alt_text":"Jenny Mitchell and Erin James in conversation at The Power of Poetry and Living Libraries event","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/files\/2023\/11\/230928-PowerOfPoetryEvent-6-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":826,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2023\/12\/20\/archiving-and-administering-the-library-and-afras-at-sussex-guest-blog-post\/","url_meta":{"origin":1003,"position":2},"title":"Archiving and administering the Library and AFRAS at Sussex: guest blog post","date":"20 December 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Reposted from the Decolonial Maps of Library Learning blog By Alice Corble and Rhiann Tester This overdue blog post features a guest contributor, Rhiann Tester, Assistant Library Administrator at Sussex. I\u2019ll briefly introduce the context of our collaboration before handing over to Rhiann. Future blog posts will build on Rhiann\u2019s\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "The Library"","img":{"alt_text":"Two lever files labeled 'Library Committee Papers' and 'AFRAS School Meetings 7th Autumn 65 - 35th Summer 71'","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/files\/2023\/12\/Library-AFRAS-folders-1024x768-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":990,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2024\/04\/19\/whats-going-on-in-the-library-wellbeing-area-connector-programme\/","url_meta":{"origin":1003,"position":3},"title":"What\u2019s going on in the Library Wellbeing Area? \u2013 Connector Programme","date":"19 April 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Exciting changes are happening!\u00a0 The Library Wellbeing Area is currently under redevelopment with the help of four Student Connectors, Katie, Elena, Mariola and Chloe.\u00a0 A seating area, display of Wellbeing and Leisure Reading books, and Listening area at The Wellbeing Area in Sussex Library. Established two years ago, the Wellbeing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "The Library"","img":{"alt_text":"A student draws a window painting on the glass windows looking into the Wellbeing area.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/files\/2024\/04\/image.jpeg?fit=743%2C641&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":421,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/librarycollections\/2021\/04\/16\/collections-reading-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":1003,"position":4},"title":"Collections reading group","date":"16 April 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"By Richard Wragg - Collections Manager For the last few months, the Collections Team have been meeting for a reading group. The texts we have chosen to discuss have all had a focus on decolonisation, equality and diversity. 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