The new grotesque: The theatre of Martin McDonagh and Tracy Letts
by Thorson, Gregory Stuart, M.A., UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER, 2008, 93 pages; 1456675

Abstract:

The theatre of Martin McDonagh and Tracy Letts has thrilled and captivated audiences across the world. While some critics have dismissed these playwrights' popularity as solely reliant on its violent and shocking subject matter, this thesis proves that their plays are among the most important and influential of contemporary theatre. In particular this study examines the influence of the grotesque on their writing. This thesis provides a historical examination of the grotesque and identifies elements of the grotesque in McDonagh and Letts' plays. This thesis also examines how McDonagh and Letts have reconfigured the traditional grotesque into a new style, the "new grotesque". Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates that through their use of the grotesque, McDonagh and Letts have created plays that uniquely dramatize the turmoil and complexity of contemporary life.

 
AdviserOliver Gerland
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER
SourceMAI/ 47-01, p. , Oct 2008
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsTheater; American literature; British and Irish literature
Publication Number1456675
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