Ridiculous Theatre: Scourge of Human Folly: The Essays and Opinions of Charles Ludlam [Paperback]

Charles Ludlam (Author), Steven Samuels (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Theatre Communications Group (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559360410
• ISBN-13: 978-1559360418
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,337,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars demented? genius? demented genius?, May 13, 2003

By 

sturtle (New Orleans, Louisiana) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Ridiculous Theatre: Scourge of Human Folly: The Essays and Opinions of Charles Ludlam (Paperback)

Charles Ludlam was, hands down, one of the most brilliant innovators in postmodern theatre. At a time when many radical theatre-types were resting on their laurels (or regurgitating works they created decades earlier), Ludlam and his constant collaborator/companion, Everett Quinton, were experimenting with new forms, keeping things fresh. Unfortunately (or perhaps not), he's been pidgeonholed by theatre historians as working exclusively in gay theatre; in point of fact, though, while his audience was largely "downtown" and therefore predominantly gay, his influence was felt throughout theatre community.

That's not, however, to say he was a benevolent gay genius. On the contrary: secondhand stories about his professional habits and beliefs are enough to curl the toes of even the cruelest tyrant. That, of course, is why this book is SO enjoyable--and important. Part autobiography, part manifesto, it explains Ludlam's ideas about art, life, and theatre in his own words. And while it's certainly polemic at times, it's very enlightening and always entertaining.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking treatise on Performing, June 20, 2000

By 

Michael Reilly "allriledup" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ridiculous Theatre: Scourge of Human Folly: The Essays and Opinions of Charles Ludlam (Paperback)

Ridiculous Theatre : Scourge of Human Folly : The Essays and Opinions of Charles Ludlam is a true treasure for anyone ridiculous enough to consider a career as an artist. Ludlam, the actor/director/writer/artistic director of the Ridiculous Theatre, knows a lot about creating art and as a result of his experience, has some very strong opinions on the subject. Ludlam writes about what he knows and what he loves -- the theatre. The essays included in this anthology are extremenly insightful and thought-provoking as Ludlam proffers his opinions on every subject from critics to drag to opera (and everything in between). In the end, the reader comes to an understanding of the utter ridiculousness (in a truly wonderful way) of a theatrical life.