Theatre of Chaos

In this unique and invigorating study, chaos theory and quantum mechanics are employed as the basis for a clearer understanding of the often confusing contemporary theatre world. Examining numerous antecedents to contemporary thought on chaos and the cultural roots of the notion of chaos, links are provided to playwrights ranging from Shakespeare to Ibsen and Tom Stoppard to Sam Shepard. William Demastes investigates parallel developments across the arts and sciences: connections between the dramatic naturalism of the late nineteenth century and Newtonian thought, and theatre of the absurd and disorderly chaos theory. After centuries of isolation and increased specialisation, the author contends, it may once again be time to consider the 'arts' and 'sciences' not as two isolated enterprises but to acknowledge interrelations between them.

• Investigates the dialogue between science (chaos theory) and art (theatre)
• Thoroughly discusses two important theatre practitioners (Shepard and Stoppard)
• Provides an accessible assessment of the new sciences as it confronts the often confusing aesthetics of contemporary theatre/art