Published on the eve of the philosopher-playwright's centenary, this study offers a wide-ranging re-appraisal of Sartre's complete dramatic opus, from the inaugural 'nativity' play, Bariona (1940), to the swan-song chorus of Armageddon, Les Troyennes (1965). It draws on a close reading of Sartre's writings in philosophy, literature and criticism, and provides an extensive survey of journalistic and academic reception. Each play is situated in relation both to Sartre's intellectual evolution and to the broader historical context. This is the first full-length study in English, for more than thirty years, covering the whole of Sartre's theatre, and it will interest students of twentieth-century European drama, as well as those of modern French literature and ideas.
«O'Donohoe's book is undeniably a much-needed addition to the field [...]. Not only is O'Donohoe's analysis a welcome contribution to Sartrean studies, this comprehensive and well referenced book, with its clear, accessible commentary, is of particular interest to undergraduate students (both of twentieth-century European drama, and modern French thought and literature in general), and is a crucial text for any university library.» (Helen Tattam, Modern and Contemporary France)
«...this is a useful and interesting book that gives a clear and coherent view of Sartre's writing for the theatre.» (Rosemary Arnoux, New Zealand Journal of French Studies)
«[The book] is a much-needed, well-referenced and informative introduction to Sartre's dramatic output that will appeal to undergraduates and theatre scholars alike.» (Alison Forsyth, Theatre Research International)
«...this is a useful and interesting book that gives a clear and coherent view of Sartre's writing for the theatre.» (Rosemary Arnoux, New Zealand Journal of French Studies)
«[The book] is a much-needed, well-referenced and informative introduction to Sartre's dramatic output that will appeal to undergraduates and theatre scholars alike.» (Alison Forsyth, Theatre Research International)