The Art of Dramaturgy

An introduction to the mysterious theater role of a dramaturg by a legend in the field

This book is marvelous. . . . Fascinating. . . . An absolute joy to read.Gil Roth, Virtual Memories podcast

Anne Cattaneo was among the first Americans to fill the role of dramaturg, one of theaters best kept secrets. A combination of theater artist, scholar, researcher, play advocate, editor, and writers friend, it is the job of a dramaturg to reflect light back on the elements that are already in play, while bringing a work of theater to life. Cattaneo traces the field from its beginnings in the eighteenth century to the present and chronicles the multitude and variety of tasks a dramaturg undertakes before, during, and after a production is brought to the stage. Using detailed stories from her work with theater artists such as Tom Stoppard, Wendy Wasserstein, Robert Wilson, Shi-Zheng Chen, and Sarah Ruhl, as well as the discovery of a lost play by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, Cattaneo provides an invaluable manual to those studying, working in, and interested in this most fascinating profession. See more