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Theatre Studies

Here you can find relevant information for Theatre Studies students and staff.

If you have any questions, please contact: e.breuning@uva.nl

  • Information sources
  • Location

    The Theatre Studies collection can be found at the P.C. Hoofthuis Library and Library Learning Space, on the second floor.

  • Collection

    Description

    The UvA library has an expansive Theatre Studies source material collection which allows one to study theatre in Dutch language regions, Europe, and the rest of the world. A few of the areas that the library has been collecting literature on include: drama, dance, mime, puppetry, circus, and musical. Furthermore the collection holds subject specific reference works, in several languages (predominantly English, Dutch, French, and German), such as handbooks, lexicons, and encyclopaedias.

    One of the collection’s focal point is the theoretical and philosophical material pertaining to drama, theatre and broader performative arts. Here one can find literature on different aspects of dramaturgy such as the foundation of a drama and the overarching theory of drama as a genre. It should be noted that the focus within this category is not just on the more typical elements of Theatre Studies, such as drama – and performance analyses, but also on the broader context such as the relationship between drama/theatre and, e.g., the media, digital culture, interculturalism, the public, gender, and politics and engagement. There is extensive material for the study of different types of drama including historic drama, tragedy, comedy, vaudeville and variété, puppetry, and shadow play. For those looking to examine the dramaturge as artistic leader or adviser the library has literature on policy, production, and directing.

    Aside from sources that are theoretical in nature the UvA library also has literature that covers the history of theatre. While for the most part this collection pertains to Western and in particular European theatre history (i.e., United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Flanders) they also have materials that examine African and Asian history. The theatre history collection spans from the antiquity to the present-day including theatre in the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment, Romance, and the 19th and 20th century.  Moreover, the library holds biographies and critical reflections of writers, actors, and directors. One will not, however, find any manuscripts. Plays and scenarios are also of secondary importance in the acquisition policy. Dutch translations can predominantly be found via the medium of theatre company’s booklets.

    Journals and Databases

    The university library still holds approximately 20 subscriptions to print journals dedicated to Theatre Studies. When possible the library seeks to convert the subscription from print to a digital version. This has led to several journals exclusively being available in digital form. One can find these under the button E-journals. Of all the subject specific databases the Performing Arts Periodicals Database is one of the most important ones. This database facilitates access to at least 260 scientific journals covering theatre, dance, film, and other performing arts.

    Special Collections

    The Special Collections is made up of circa thousand sub collections which are all available for the university’s teaching and research. When it comes to theatre and music the university’s Special Collections currently houses the largest collection in the Netherlands. While a large part of that is dedicated to music, theatre, and dance one can also find circus, cabaret, opera, operetta, mime, and puppetry represented.

    Open shelving system

    The literature in the open shelving system has been organised according to the Library of Congress Classification (LCC). The LCC outline for Theatre Studies offers a comprehensive overview.

  • Support

    Noor Breuning provides support to students and staff in their research and educational activities.

    Drs. E. (Noor) Breuning

    Information Specialist Theatre Studies

Noor Breuning
Information Specialist Theatre Studies
For educational or research support, questions about the collection or purchase requests please contact me!
Send an e-mail to e.breuning@uva.nl Or contact the library