One aspect of dramaturgy is the research that goes into the theatermaking process. Commonly referred to as production research, this work involves finding information that can be used to explore the many facets of a play: its author, context in our world and the world of the play, production history, critical analysis and interpretation, images and sounds, and sources, influences, and analogues.
This website serves as a starting point for production research. For further assistance, drop by the library's information desk and ask for the librarian on call or email Lori Ricigliano, liaison librarian for the Theatre Arts department.
Production Research Areas
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World of the Play: Concerns the setting in which the action takes place. The setting includes: specific information about the environment, what has happened before the play begins, and the attitudes of characters toward the world of the play.
- World of the Author: Explores the life of the
playwright and experiences that may have influenced his/her work
- Our World & the World of the Play: Includes
interaction among the worlds of the play, the author, and the audience
- Production History: Includes
original and subsequent productions.
- Drama Criticism: Analyzes the play’s
contribution to literature with an emphasis on
ideas, language and style, character development
- Images & Sound: Include video clips, music,
photographs, and images (representational, metaphorical, and abstract)
- Sources, Influences, Analogues: Explores materials that helped provide a basis for the play, that influenced its development, or that share similar attributes, qualities, or characteristics
Note: Database access is restricted to authorized users of the University.