Troubling Play

Troubling Play is a new and illuminating interpretation of Plato's Parmenides—notoriously the most difficult of the dialogues. Showing that the Parmenides is an inquiry into time and the forms of language, author Kelsey Wood notes that the dialogue's suggestion of sophistry is intended to provoke the silently observant Socrates. The young Socrates believes that knowing is prior to existence, but Parmenides ultimately shows him that the meaning of intelligible discourse is derived from existence in time. Although we cannot think apart from intelligible forms, nevertheless, any number of modes of intelligibility are possible. This relation of ideals of intelligibility—the forms of logos—to temporal being is a crucial topic of special relevance to philosophers today. Wood's detailed methodological analysis ties the Parmenides to other later dialogues such as the Sophist, Theatetus, and Philebus, and also to earlier works such as the Republic and the poem of Parmenides.

"Although these three modernist writers were not primarily playwrights, as expatriates they were interested in the Euripidean theme of women in exile: each independently chose to rewrite Euripides' Hippolytus, a play in which the protagonist is a woman in exile whose speech, writing, and passion are deeply problematic. Each author approaches the Euripidean material in a different way: Tsvetaeva focuses on gender in language, Yourcenar explores the gendering of a self, and H.D. performs the undoing of gendered oppositions."--BOOK JACKET.

The Trouble with Play is a radical departure from some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many in early childhood education. For many, play is considered essential to children's development and learning, and is often promoted as a universal and almost magical 'fix'. Although play does have many proven benefits for children, the authors show that play in the early years is not always innocent, fun and natural. Play can also be political and involve morals, ethics, values and power. So, what if... Play is not fair Play is not equitable Play is not innocent Play is not fun Play is not natural The book prompts teachers to understand and implement more thoughtful approaches to play in the early years. Through vignettes, practical activities and reflection points the authors encourage discussion about new ways of seeing and thinking about play and argue for new approaches to pedagogy and the role of the teacher. It is valuable reading for anyone involved in early childhood education.

The Bavarian village of Oberammergau has staged the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ nearly every decade since 1634. Each production of the Passion Play attracts hundreds of thousands, many drawn by the spiritual benefits it promises. Yet Hitler called it a convincing portrayal of the menace of Jewry, and in 1970 a group of international luminaries boycotted the play for its anti-Semitism. As the production for the year 2000 drew near, James Shapiro was there to document the newest wave of obstacles that faced the determined Bavarian villagers. Erudite and judicious, Oberammergau is a fascinating and important look at the unpredictable and sometimes tragic relationship between art and society, belief and tolerance, religion and politics.

Provides instructional and student support practices engaging problematic students in the learning process and building strong relationships with them.

This is a study of the state of research on and history of performances of 40 American playwrights, including major mainstream, ethnic, and regional playwrights. The essays list their published and unpublished plays, as well as their other works; document the performances; identify bibliographies, biographies, critical studies, and analyses of the plays; and discuss the critical reception. The volume deals with production histories, covering critics, actors, directors, and theater companies that have contributed as much to theater as the playwrights themselves. It also discusses original screenplays and identifies writing on younger playwrights on whom research has just begun. ISBN 0-313-25543-1: $66.00 (For use only in the library).

An exciting new middle reader series from a debut author. All twelve-year-old Jaden wants to do is be the best at Cross Ups, the video game he and his friends can’t stop playing. He knows he could be—if only he didn’t have to hide his gaming from his mom, who’s convinced it will make him violent. After an epic match leads to an invitation to play in a top tournament, Jaden and his friends Devesh and Hugh hatch a plan to get him there. But Jaden’s strict parents and annoying siblings, not to mention a couple of bullies and his confusing feelings for his next-door neighbor Cali, keep getting in the way! Tournament Trouble marks the first book in a planned series by Sylv Chiang, a captivating new voice in middle reader fiction. With sharp dialogue and relatable characters, it chronicles the ups and downs of middle school with a relevant, contemporary twist. Accompanied by Connie Choi’s lively illustrations, Tournament Trouble invites readers into Jaden’s world, and will leave them eagerly awaiting his next adventure. Look for Book 2, coming in Fall 2018!

From Matthew Cordell, the author-illustrator of the Caldecott award-winning book Wolf in the Snow, comes this delightful picture book that's as charming as it is fun. It's raining. There's nothing to do. Ruben is bored. But things start looking up when his grandmother gives him and his little brother some gum. Gum is fun. There's just one problem with gum—it tends to make a mess! Uh-oh. . . .