Notes: From The Library: Backwards And Forwards

Overview

• Purpose: To provide in-depth commentary on theatre-related books.
• Focus Book: "Backwards And Forwards" by David Ball.
• Author's Background: Formerly managed Duke drama department, taught at Carnegie-Mellon, dramaturg at the Guthrie Theater.
• Book's Reputation: Widely used in academic play analysis courses.

Book Summary: "Backwards And Forwards"

• Subtitle: "A Technical Manual For Reading Plays"
• Main Thesis: Plays are designed as machines and should be analyzed technically.
• Methodology: Disassemble plays into constituent parts to master their workings.

Key Concepts

• Triggers and Heaps:
  • Triggers: Initial actions in a play.
  • Heaps: Resultant actions following a trigger.
  • Analogy: Like a fired pistol resulting in a dead body.
  • Plays consist of sequences of triggers and heaps.
  • Example from "Hamlet": Ghost appearance (trigger) leads to subsequent actions (heaps).
• Forward and Backward Analysis:
  • Forward analysis involves tracking actions from start to end.
  • Backward analysis involves retracing actions from end to start.
  • Purpose: Establish a comprehensive understanding of the play's plot and themes.

Critical Perspective

• Strengths:
  • Offers a precise, quantitative approach to play analysis.
  • Simplifies complex academic analyses into readable content.
• Weaknesses:
  • Patronizing tone towards readers unfamiliar with the book.
  • Occasional academic backbiting.

Conclusion

• Recommendation: Despite its tone, "Backwards And Forwards" is a valuable guide for serious playreading and production preparation.
• Author of Review: Stephen Foglia, Literary Manager.