Theater is the performance of works of
literature, which are usually
playss written for the purpose, by live
actors. Occasionally dramatic readings of
poetry or prose
?, or
improvisational theater are performed instead. Musical performances that are strongly related to traditional theater include
Opera and modern
Broadway productions.
20th Century American Theater:
- [Eugene O'Neill]?
- Arthur Miller
- David Mamet
- [Tony Kushner]?
- [Edward Albee]?
- [Neil Simon]?
20th Century British Theater:
- George Bernard Shaw
- Tom Stoppard
- [Harold Pinter]?
- [John Osborne]?
- [John Galsworthy]?
- Samuel Beckett
20th Century German Language Theater Authors:
- [Heiner Mueller]?
- Bertolt Brecht
- [Thomas Bernhardt]?
- [Elfriede Jelinek]?
- [Friederich Durrenmatt]?
- [Wolfgang Hildesheimer]?
20th Century German Language Theater Directors:
- [Fritz Kortner]?
- [Peter Stein]?
- [Peter Zadek]?
- [Frank Castorf]?
- [August Everding]?
- [Max Reinhardt]?
This gives a brief outline of some of the better-known
playwrights; but theater does not operate on playwrights alone. Plays are often produced by a Production team: various technical,
support, and design staff. Among these are the [[Scenic
designer]], the [Lighting designer]?, the [Costume designer]?,
the Director, the Dramaturge? and the [Stage Manager]?.
This is not an all inclusive list, and may include other
personnel from the world of Technical Theatre.
See also: dramatists, History of Theater
What are our priorities for writing in this area? To help develop a list of the most basic topics about theater, please see
theater basic topics.