Reviews

How Not to Write a Play by Walter Kerr

sireno8's review

3.0

Walter Kerr had forgotten more about theater than most people will ever know when this book was published in 1956. He wrote this book in hopes of helping a lacksluster theater save itself from complete stagnation. I think since then, those who make theater have more often than not heeded his advice. Consequently, some of his observations while salient are also dated. His common sense approach to playmaking, however, still rings true. I agree with much that he says. He is so well-versed in his subject and well-spoken when he writes about it that sometimes he seems to be agruing both sides of his points equally well which leaves the reader in the dust. It got a bit dry in places and the section of verse/prose is just too long. But on a whole the book is uniquely inspirational, educational and entertaining.