The theatre of Arthur Adamov

Bradby, David (1971) The theatre of Arthur Adamov. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The thesis is divided into three parts and a conclusion, with the addition of two Appendices and Bibliographies. Part I contains a short account of Adamov's life (1908-1970). This account deals with those biographical details most important for an understanding and appreciation of Adamov's plays. It indicates his circumstances at the time of writing each play and also contains some discussion of his literary work outside the theatre.Part II contains a critical study of the first ten plays under five separate headings. The nature and origins of Adamov's early themes and dramaturgy are discussed, and particular attention is devoted to Le Ping-Pong (1955) in the later pages of Chapters three and four. This section not only establishes a great similarity of themes and dramatic treatment in these early plays, but also attempts to point forward to Adamov's later development.Part III contains a first chapter examining the origins and implications of Adamov's development from the theatre of the Absurd to the committed theatre in the late nineteen-fifties, followed by a detailed study of Paolo Paoli (1957), Le Printemps 71 (1960) and Off Limits (1969) as well as discussion of the other plays written after Paolo Paoli. There is also a chapter on Adamov's radio plays and his adaptation of Gogol's Dead Souls.The conclusion reiterates briefly the most important features of Adamov's theatre, emphasising the fundamental unity of his work, his developing but constant protest against the enslavement of Man by modern industrialised society, and his ceaseless experimentation with dramatic form.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Theater, French literature
• Date of Award: 1971
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1971-74206
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2019 15:33
• Last Modified: 23 Sep 2019 15:33
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/74206