Aston Elaine. An Introduction to Feminism and Theatre

London; New York: Routledge, 2005. — 166 p.Feminist thinking constitutes a lively, oppositional and energizing force at the centre of the theatre academy. Although a relatively new field of study, its dynamic impact is changing the way in which theatre is taught and practised. An Introduction to Feminism and Theatre is an accessible and intelligent overview of feminist theory, plays, practitioners and practice, all of which are changing the perception of theatre as a whole.
An Introduction to Feminism and Theatre is split into two sections. In the first part the reader is guided through the key feminist concepts and methodological practices relevant to the historical, theoretical and practical study of theatre. Aston discusses how feminist theatre history has re-examined and changed the theatrical canon, surveys the European context of French feminist theory and theatre, and introduces recent theoretical thinking about gender and performance practice. The second section consists of case studies which illustrate the various strands of theoretical debate.
This book will be essential reading for anyone needing a clear and lucid guide to an increasingly important and dynamic force in theatre.
Elaine Aston is Lecturer in Theatre Studies at the University of Loughborough. She has published extensively on historical and contemporary aspects of feminist theatre. Her publications include a full-length study of Sarah Bernhardt (1989) and Theatre as Sign-System (with George Savona, 1991). She is also co-editor, with G.Griffin, of two volumes of plays performed by the Women’s Theatre Group (Herstory I and II, 1991).