The Tragedie of Coriolanus: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is Shakespeare's greatest tragedy in my opinion.Everybody talks about Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet, but Coriolanus for some reason is mostly, and unjustly, ignored.I feel that Coriolanus is the only pure tragedy among Shakespeare's works.Macbeth was a sociopath who brought all his troubles on himself;Hamlet was a confused young man who couldn't make a decision and who waited too long to get the job done; King Lear was an old fool who played games with his daughters and brought most of his problems on himself; Othello could have avoided his problems if he simply sat down and had a real conversation with his wife; and Romeo and Juliet were just a couple of immature kids who simply needed a few hard kicks in their butts.Coriolanus is different.Coriolanus was simply an honest, hard-working soldier who got the job done and told the truth, but was brought down by the guile of his enemies.That, in my opinion, is the greatest tragedy of them all.
It seems that people either love or hate this play.Many consider Coriolanus to be a very unlikable character because he is supposedly arrogant, but I disagree.Coriolanus just worked hard, told the truth, was a straight shooter, and refused to play silly games by telling people what they wanted to hear.I guess I see something different in this play than most critics and readers of Shakespeare.

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Classical Comedy - Greek and Roman: Six Plays (Applause Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)Robert W. Corrigan has complied a wonderful balance of Greek and Roman comedies.The collection is ideal for anyone interested in an overview of classical comedy or wishing to explore the roots of modern comedy.
Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" and "The Birds," andMenander's "The Grouch" represent the Greek plays."TheMenaechmi" (sometimes called 'The Brother's Menaechmi') and"Mostellaria" (sometimes called 'The Haunted House' or 'TheGhost')" by Plautus and "The Self Tormentor" by Terencerepresent the Roman plays.
The plays themselves are a wonderful study ofcomedy from it's dramatic origins to the Roman's translations of Greek"New Comedy."Students of Shakespeare and renaissance drama willfind this book especially useful as "The Menaechmi" is the sourceof Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors" and plays like "TheGrouch" and "The Self Tormentor" greatly influenced theFrench comic playwright, Jean-Baptiste Moliere.
The introductions scribedby Corrigan are outstanding.A master of ancient drama, he has a passionthat creeps into all his essays.Unfortunately, the introductions by thetranslators sometimes fail to relate to the boarder subject of comedy andleave a little to be desired.
Regarding the translations themselves, fourdifferent authors have translated the six plays and some are better thanothers.Walter Kerr's translation of "The Birds" is the best ofthe collection.Palmer Bovie's translations of the three Roman plays aresolid and reflect Plautus' word-play well (which also influencedShakespeare).
My only criticism of the book is that some of theintroductions are now dated by references to several Hollywood comedies andBroadway plays that might be obscure unless you have a background in thesesubjects.However, the book is for the plays themselves and the playsthemselves are delightful.Overall, I recommend this collection asintroduction to ancient comedy.

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Rich anthologies of dramatic art and critical insight - varied, stimulating, broad in its view and deep in its perceptions...exciting variety of translations...enlightening essays from some of the most stiumlating minds of the century.- Leonard C. Pronko, author, Theatre East and West, Chair, Dept. of Theatre, Pomona College
Includes: Aristophanes: Lysistrata, translated by Donald Sutherland; The Birds, translated by Walter Kerr; Menander: The Grouch, translated by Sheila DÕAtri; Plautus: The Menaechmi, translated by Palmer Bovie; The Haunted House, translated by Palmer Bovie; Terence: The Self-Tormentor, translated by Palmer Bovie.

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)Many people would like to say that Shakespeare did not write this play. But this is hardly fair. Even with the world's finest writers such as Marlowe and Dickens, not every single thing they write can be a masterpiece. But what makes "The Two Gentleman of Verona" worthreading? Well,Shakespeare presents us with a valid theme. (Conflictsoften exist between romance and friendship.) There is also beautifullanguage. Launce and his dog offer some interesting comedy as well as abeautiful and memorable passage in 2.3. The scene where Valentine isaccepted amonst the outlaws is memorable. This is Shakespeare's first playwhere a woman (Julia) disuises herself as man to do some investigating. Itis also easy to see that several elements of this play were used in"Romeo and Juliet." To be sure, this is not a masterpiece like"The Comedy of Errors," "Richard III," or "KingLear." But it is still an good study that is worth some interest.

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If there ever has been a groundbreaking edition that likewise returns the reader to the original Shakespeare text, it will be the Applause Folio Texts. If there has ever been an accessible version of the Folio, it is this edition, set for the first time in modern fonts.
The Folio is the source of all other editions. The Folio text forces us to re-examine the assumptions and prejudices which have encumbered over four hundred years of scholarship and performance. Notes refer the reader to subsequent editorial interventions, and offer the reader a multiplicity of interpretations. Notes also advise the reader on variations between Folios and Quartos.
The heavy mascara of four centuries of Shakespearean glossing has by now glossed over the original countenance of ShakespeareÕs work. Never has there been a Folio available in modern reading fonts. While other complete Folio editions continue to trade simply on the facsimile appearance of the Elizabethan "look," none of them is easily and practically utilized in general Shakespeare studies or performances.

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The Life of Tymon of Athens: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)Not really one of Shakespeare's better stories; it had potential, given that it's NOT a love story (my largest single objection to most of Shakespeare is that his concept of romantic love strikes me as not just mistaken, but downright pernicious, given that so many people use his concept as their model of what "love" is, and that has led to many, many emotional traumas through the centuries) but even without that difficulty to cause problems in this play, I found the plot somewhat lacking; imagine a story that begins somewhat like the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", starring Jimmy Stewart, in which the main character is a very generous man whose friends have all benefited tremendously from his liberality. Then he runs out of money, and his friends (unlike in the movie) all prove to be flatterers and false friends who do not stand by him. So he goes off and lives in the woods, wears rags, becomes a misanthrope thanks to the disappointment his faith in people suffered, and dies. The end. This is hardly an uplifting story; I realize that it's a tragedy, but it seemed to me that there could have been a LITTLE bit of uplifting turn in the plot before the hero was killed off. And what's more, there doesn't even seem to be a single memorable line in the whole play, which is all that saves SOME of Shakespeare's plots.

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If there ever has been a groundbreaking edition that likewise returns the reader to the original Shakespeare text, it will be the Applause Folio Texts. If there has ever been an accessible version of the Folio, it is this edition, set for the first time in modern fonts.
The Folio is the source of all other editions. The Folio text forces us to re-examine the assumptions and prejudices which have encumbered over four hundred years of scholarship and performance. Notes refer the reader to subsequent editorial interventions, and offer the reader a multiplicity of interpretations. Notes also advise the reader on variations between Folios and Quartos.
The heavy mascara of four centuries of Shakespearean glossing has by now glossed over the original countenance of ShakespeareÕs work. Never has there been a Folio available in modern reading fonts. While other complete Folio editions continue to trade simply on the facsimile appearance of the Elizabethan "look," none of them is easily and practically utilized in general Shakespeare studies or performances.

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The Lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)Now that the film "Titus" is about to open, I thought I had best hear a recorded version of the complete play to keep my mind clear during what is bound to be a perversion. Of course, many consider "TitusAndronicus" a perversion anyway; and to tell the truth, I do get alittle queasy during the various mutilations that make the deaths at theend a relief rather than a shock.But accepting the play on its ownterms, you will find the reissue on tape of the 1966 Caedmon recording of (CF 277) possibly the best directed of the entireclassic series. Howard Sackler has a bunch of professionals onhand and helets them (with one exception) tear up the scenery. Poor Judy Dench, whohas so little to say as Lavinia before the plot makes her say no more, canonly make pathetic noises for most of the play until her final death cry.The evil brothers, played here by John Dane and Christopher Guinee, are notonly evil but sarcastically so--and this works on a recording as it mightnot on the stage.Perhaps Maxine Audley's Tamora is a bit too WickedWitch of the West now and then; but her co-partner in evil, Aron the Moor,is brought to life by Anthony Quayle in a role he made famous on stage,going even further in the outright enjoyment of his ill-doing. Yes, thisplay can easily raise laughs and takes an Olivier to keep the audience inthe tragic mood. (Reports are that he did it so well that some audiencemembers became ill and had to leave.)
Which brings us to MichaelHordern's Titus. Hodern is a fine actor but not a great one. He sufferswell but not grandly. I am surprised that his Big Moment--"I am thesea"--is lost among all the other images in that speech. But anyonecan direct someone else's play.This recording, soon to be rivaled byone in the Arkangel series, is definitely worth having for Quayle'sperformance alone.

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If there has ever been a groundbreaking edition that likewise returns the reader to the original Shakespeare text, it will be THE APPLAUSE FOLIO TEXTS. If there has ever been an accessible version of the Folio, it is this edition, set for the first time in modern fonts. The Folio is the source of all other editions. The Folio text forces us to re-examine the assumptions and prejudices which have encumbered over four hundred years of scholarship and performance. Notes refer the reader to subsequent editorial interventions, and offer the reader a multiplicity of interpretations. Notes also advise the reader on variations between Folios and Quartos. Prepared and annotated by Neil Freeman, Head, Graduate Directing Program, University of British Columbia.

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The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)Especially for an actor, this is a great first folio edition to work with.It inserts all of the changes throughout the different editions in footnotes so that the reader has a better picture of what has been altered and what is truly original.A great script to go from, I'll definately be looking at the different plays they offer.

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If there has ever been a groundbreaking edition that likewise returns the reader to the original Shakespeare text, it will be THE APPLAUSE FOLIO TEXTS. If there has ever been an accessible version of the Folio, it is this edition, set for the first time in modern fonts. The Folio is the source of all other editions. The Folio text forces us to re-examine the assumptions and prejudices which have encumbered over four hundred years of scholarship and performance. Notes refer the reader to subsequent editorial interventions, and offer the reader a multiplicity of interpretations. Notes also advise the reader on variations between Folios and Quartos. Prepared and annotated by Neil Freeman, Head, Graduate Directing Program, University of British Columbia.

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The Comedie of Errors: Applause First Folio Editions (Applause Shakespeare Library Folio Texts) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is great reading materil-what can I say?In this book is a great storyline and a fun, exciting plot.It has its high points and sad points, like any other, with other things mixed in.Shakespeare again displays his wonderful talent in writing and acting.This is a perfect book for anyone.

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If there has ever been a groundbreaking edition that likewise returns the reader to the original Shakespeare text, it will be THE APPLAUSE FOLIO TEXTS. If there has ever been an accessible version of the Folio, it is this edition, set for the first time in modern fonts. The Folio is the source of all other editions. The Folio text forces us to re-examine the assumptions and prejudices which have encumbered over four hundred years of scholarship and performance. Notes refer the reader to subsequent editorial interventions, and offer the reader a multiplicity of interpretations. Notes also advise the reader on variations between Folios and Quartos. Prepared and annotated by Neil Freeman, Head, Graduate Directing Program, University of British Columbia.

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A Midsummer Night's Dream: The Applause Shakespeare Library Review

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(More customer reviews)The book was in the perfect condition, exactly as advertised.Shipping was quick, seller was great to respond to my question.Thanks so much!!

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This Applause edtiion allows the reader and student to look beyond the scholarly reading text to the more sensuous, more collaborative, more malleable performance text which emerges in conjunction with the commentary and notes. Readers and students are faced with real theatrical choices in each speech as the editors point out the challenges and opportunities to the actor and director at each juncture. Readers will not only discover an enlivened Shakespeare, they will be empowered to rehearse and direct their own productions of the imagination in the process.

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The Bacchae (The Applause Classical Library, Featuring New) Review

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(More customer reviews)"The Bacchae" was written by Euripides when he was living in Macedonia in virtual exile during the last years of his life.The tragedy was performed in Athens after his death.These factors are important in appreciate this particular Greek tragedy because such plays were performed at a festival that honored the Dionysus, and in "The Bacchae" he is the god who extracts a horrible vengeance.The tragedy clearly demonstrates the god's power, but it is a terrible power, which suggests less than flattering things about the deity himself.
Pentheus was the son of Echion and Agave, the daughter of Cadmus, the founder of the Royal House of Thebes.After Cadmus stepped down the throne, Pentheus took his place as king of Thebes. When the cult of Dionysus came to Thebes, Pentheus resisted the worship of the god in his kingdom.However, his mother and sisters were devotees of the god and went with women of the city to join in the Dionsysian revels on Mount Cithaeron.Pentheus had Dionysus captured, but the god drove the king insane, who then shackled a bull instead of the god.When Pentheus climbed a tree to witness in secret the reverly of the Bacchic women, he was discovered and torn to pieces by his mother and sisters, who, in their Bacchic frenzy, believed him to be a wild beast.The horrific action is described in gory detail by a messenger, which is followed by the arrival of the frenzied and bloody Agave, the head of her son fixed atop her thytsus.
Unlike those stories of classical mythology which are at least mentioned in the writings of Homer, the story of Pentheus originates with Euripides.The other references in classical writing, the "Idylls" written by the Syracusean poet Theocritus and the "Metamorphoses" of the Latin poet Ovid, both post-date"The Bacchae" by centuries.On those grounds, the tragedy of Euripides would appear to be entirely his construct, which would certainly give it an inherent uniqueness over his interpretations of the stories of "Medea," "Electra," and "The Trojan Women."
I see "The Bacchae" as being Euripides' severest indictment of religion and not as the recantation of his earlier rationalism in his old age.The dramatic conflicts of the play stem from religious issues, and without understanding the opposition on Appollonian grounds of Pentheus to the new cult readers miss the ultimate significance of the tragedy.This is not an indictment of Appollonian rationalism, but rather a dramatic argument that, essentially, it is irrational to ignore the irrational.As the fate of Pentheus amply points out, it is not only stupid to do so, it is fatal.Consequently, "The Bacchae" is one of the most important of Greek tragedies.

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THE BACCHAE was not only the last and greatest of EuripidesÕ tragedies, it was very close to the last of the great Greek tragedies. The story of the play is in part about this cultural dissolution in Athens. ItÕs also about the theatre itself, and how a sane society needs strong, intelligent theatre to survive. THE BACCHAE makes a perfect first entry in the new Applause series of classic dramas, because it argues so passionately and beautifully and convincingly for the need for such a theatre, in our era as much as in EuripidesÕ. Herbert Golder in his new translation has turned an ancient play into a new one, one just as potent for an applicable to our troubled times as EuripidesÕ own.

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Giuseppe Verdi - Otello (Study Score) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is THE edition to buy and use. Ricordi is as reliable as it can be in Italian opera scores. Fantastic masterpiece by Verdi, monologue of Jago, Willow song of Desdemona, great drama spanning whole four acts... Highly recommended!

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This opera full score edition includes a colorful cover and an introductory synopsis in English of the libretto.

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