Tom Bryant

Background

About Tom Bryant

I just had a book published by Routledge on 12/6/23. Here are the details about it and endorsements: 1st Edition The Dramaturgy of History By Tom Bryant Copyright 2024 • Hardback $64.95 ISBN 9781032551715 118 Pages December 6, 2023 by Routledge Description In this book, dramaturg Tom Bryant shares with readers and writers his insights into the process of historical adaptation. The book uses case studies from Bryant's collaborations with playwrights on successful Broadway and regional productions to work through the fundamental questions of historical adaptation: Why do you want to adapt history? For what purpose? What is your approach? How does that approach affect the portrayal of events? How does that choice by the playwright and the dramaturg then determine the framing and focus in the story, the selection of the key events and the choice of characters? What is the meaning you want the audience to take away from the events? How is your adaptation of past events relevant to contemporary times? In addition, the author explores the moral and ethical responsibilities involved for the dramaturg and the playwright in the adaptation of history and how issues of diversity, equity and inclusion impact the presentation of historical material. This is an indispensable resource for anyone whose craft brings them to the task of adapting historical material for the stage—in postgraduate work, teaching or professional practice. Critic’s Reviews (Endorsements) Tom Bryant is our field’s leading dramaturg, especially when it comes to creating gripping plays rooted in United States history. His brilliance shines through every chapter of this book with his open-hearted collaborative nature, his uncanny ability to raise dramatic stakes, and his clear-eyed focus.” Bill Rauch, Artistic Director, Perelman Performing Arts Center, USA “This is it. When a significant art form lacks the literature to build crucial and necessary works, It takes a supple and very experienced mind to connect the important dots. This book does that. American playwrighting is deficient in its ability to take on the history of the country. By exploring some of the most significant players in that field doing groundbreaking work, Tom Bryant opens up for all of us the work in creating plays about our history.” Vincent Murphy, Professor at Theater Emory, USA Below is a link to the Routledge web site and the book’s description.