For over thirty-five years, Backwards & Forwards has been the go-to resource for anyone who works with plays. This isn't just another literary analysis book—it's a practical toolkit that reveals the structural secrets playwrights use to create stageworthy works. Developed during Ball's time as literary director at the Guthrie Theater, this method complements traditional analysis by focusing on the craft behind the curtain.
Traditional literary analysis often misses what makes a play work on stage. Ball's approach cuts through the details to identify what playwrights consider most important. By understanding these foundational elements, you'll avoid common misinterpretations that even experienced readers fall into. The book uses Shakespeare's Hamlet as a familiar example to demonstrate both effective analysis techniques and the pitfalls of ignoring theatrical craft.
Inside these pages, you'll discover concrete methods for investigating plot development, character relationships, thematic structure, and theatrical devices. The book provides systematic approaches to examining exposition, imagery, conflict, and the other crucial elements that make plays work. Each tool is designed to be immediately applicable, whether you're prepping for auditions, planning a production, or writing your own play.
What makes this manual particularly valuable is its dual appeal. It serves as both an essential guide for those who put plays on stage—actors, directors, designers, and production specialists—and as an exceptional playwriting manual. The structures described are exactly the primary tools playwrights use to create compelling theater. Whether you're analyzing a classic or developing new work, these methods will give you deeper insight and more effective results.
Imagine approaching any script with confidence, knowing exactly what to look for and how to unlock its theatrical potential. That's the power of Ball's method—a proven approach that has guided generations of theater professionals toward more insightful and successful work.
