Approaching plays

Introduction

Do you want to get more out of drama? This unit is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary plays. You will learn about dialogue, stage directions, blank verse, dramatic structure and conventions and aspects of performance.

It's not necessary for you to have previously read any of the plays mentioned in the unit before embarking on it, but to get the most from it you may like to obtain texts of the following:

• Churchill, Caryl (1994) Top Girls, with commntary and notes by Bill Naismith, Meuthen.

• Ibsen, Henrik (1992) A Doll's House, Dover Thrift Publications.

• Shakespeare, William (2005) As You Like It, edited by H. J. Oliver, Penguin.

• Shakespeare, William (1996) Henry V, edited by A. R. Humphries, Penguin.

• Shakespeare, William (1996) Othello, edited by Kenneth Muir, Penguin.

This material is from our archive and is an adapted extract from Approaching Literature (A210) which is no longer taught by The Open University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .