The Cinematic Theater

by Babak A. Ebrahimian

Overview

Because of our film-oriented culture, the study of cinema's potential influence on the theater has become particularly relevant. When applied to the stage and space of theater, film theory and aesthetics open new possibilities, heightening the theater's capacity to respond to and engage with contemporary culture.

Director Babak Ebrahimian examines and explores the similarities and differences between cinema and theater, and in doing so, defines a new theater form that uses film theories and aesthetics as its foundation. The book begins by locating the need for cinematic theater in contemporary, image-based perceptions of the "real," and lays out the basic form and aesthetics that make up the cinematic theater.

To illustrate this approach, Ebrahimian analyzes the work of major film directors, including Sergei Eisenstein, Federico Fellini, Martin Scorsese, and Orson Welles. He also draws upon the perspectives of prominent contemporary theater directors and writers, among them Richard Foreman, Robert Wilson, and Heiner Muller. Bridging the gap between the two mediums, The Cinematic Theater will be of interest to students and practitioners of both theater and film.

Illustrated with photos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810849877
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/06/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Babak Ebrahimian is a director and professor in New York City. He has directed both theater and film, and has taught theater, cinema, and literature at Columbia and Stanford universities.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 List of Figures Chapter 2 Foreword by Carl Weber Chapter 3 Preface Chapter 4 Introduction: The Cinematic Theater: Time-Space Transfiguration of the Theater Stage Chapter 5 Chapter 1: Precursors to the Cinematic Theater Chapter 6 Chapter 2: Space and Structure Chapter 7 Chapter 3: Sequencing in Time Chapter 8 Chapter 4: Unfolding the [Frame]: The Cinematic Theater Chapter 9 Bibliography Chapter 10 Index Chapter 11 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

...an easily understood study that melds modern theater practice with cinematic techniques....an excellent overview of how theater and film can coexist at the same time and place....Highly recommended. Academic libraries supporting the study of theater and film at the graduate level and above; professional collections.

Choice Reviews

...an easily understood study that melds modern theater practice with cinematic techniques....an excellent overview of how theater and film can coexist at the same time and place....Highly recommended. Academic libraries supporting the study of theater and film at the graduate level and above; professional collections.

Choice

...an easily understood study that melds modern theater practice with cinematic techniques....an excellent overview of how theater and film can coexist at the same time and place....Highly recommended. Academic libraries supporting the study of theater and film at the graduate level and above; professional collections.--CHOICE

From the Publisher

...an easily understood study that melds modern theater practice with cinematic techniques....an excellent overview of how theater and film can coexist at the same time and place....Highly recommended. Academic libraries supporting the study of theater and film at the graduate level and above; professional collections.

CHOICE