This book offers readers a clear model for reflecting upon works of theater, a summary of twentieth-century knowledge on the subject, and a holistic view of the consequences and achievements of modern theatrical autonomy. Krzysztof Pleśniarowicz draws an antinomy confined exclusively to works of theater: that of illusion/anti-illusion—in contrast to the largely obsolete opposition between a work of literature (drama) and a non-literary work of theater (play).
Professor Dobrochna Ratajczakowa
Pleśniarowicz’s book is a relevant and current voice in the global discussion on how the art of theater has evolved. One of its strongest points is that it embeds theater theory solidly in its entire humanities context, as well as the undeniable originality of its approach to the topic and the clarity with which it is presented.
Professor Leszek Kolankiewicz
Krzysztof Pleśniarowicz, Jagiellonian University professor, Head of Department of Contemporary Culture JU, Director of the Cricoteka Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor in Cracow (1994–2000). His publications include: The Theatre of Un-Human Forms (in Polish, 1994, 2023), Eastern Drama of the Absurd in the Twilight of the Soviet Block (in Polish, 1994, 2021; in English 2023), The Dead Memory Machine. Tadeusz Kantor’s Theatre of Death (in Polish, 1990; in English, 1994, 2004; in Hungarian 2007), critical editions of Tadeusz Kantor’s writings (in Polish, 2000, 2005; in Romanian 2014).
