Directing the Play

Dr. Mark’s 'Directing the Play' offers both historical and practical insight into the subject of directing. The author traces the history of directing and presents canonized voices on directing within Western and non-Western literary traditions from theoretical exploration to practical application. The book gives a broad base and a holistic understanding of directing across different theatre stages. I appreciate the author’s diversity of generations, geographies, and genders in the case study and the book’s relevance in professional theatre, community-based or socially engaged theatre, and other performing arts where directing is considered important. This robust approach shows a well-researched work. The book offers students, directors, artists, theoreticians and teachers tools, techniques and discourses in the art and craft of directing.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi

University of Regina, Canada

With a robust live theatre practice as well as a film industry that holds a pride of place in the world, one wonders why the art of directing continues to be relatively under-researched. This is why this effort by Tekena Gasper Mark deserves serious commendation. 'Directing the Play', is highly recommended for using very simple and discursive language in presenting positions. Directing, often considered an elitist art, has been demystified through the style of presentation of this book. From discussing what constitutes the director’s roles and tools to the qualities of a good director, Mark dissects issues with a touch of class and erudition. This book, well-researched and written, is a fitting addition to the corpus of literature on directing, not only on the Nigerian stage but in the world generally.

Prof. Alex C. Asigbo

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria