This is a selection of speeches drawn from the great landmark plays of the twentieth century. The most famous playwrights of the British, American and European theatre - and the plays most constantly performed on stages around the world - are represented in this unique collection. Monologues of all types - both serious and comic, realist and absurdist - provide a dynamic challenge for all the actors: the student, the amateur and professional. Here is an invaluable resource for acting classes, competitions, auditions and rehearsals. A fuller appreciation of each speech is enhanced by the editor's introductions and commentaries, which set the plays and individual speeches in their dramatic and performance contexts.Praise for Chrys Salt's MAKE ACTING WORK: ''A really useful book for every actor to own'' Prunella Scales; ''This book should be part of every resourceful actor's armoury'' Annette Badland