Abstract

Drama
Doren, Mark Van | November 19, 1930 issue

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The article discusses performing arts. The playwright who goes to history for his characters must solve one problem before he solves any other-the problem of how those characters are to be made convincing. For the audience already knows them, or thinks it knows them, and while this might seem to be a help, it is actually a handicap. The playwright cannot create with a free hand, he cannot begin with nothing. He begins with people who long ago formed some picture in the minds of audience, to whom inevitably, they have attached a certain importance.

See Also:

PERFORMING arts; DRAMATISTS; PERFORMANCE art; AUDIENCES; CULTURAL activities; CULTURAL industries
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