How to Cite a Play MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you struggling to cite a play in MLA format? Look no further! This blog article will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive guide on how to cite a play following MLA guidelines. Whether you are a student working on an academic paper or a writer seeking to reference a play in your work, understanding the correct MLA citation format is essential. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to accurately cite plays and provide proper credit to the playwrights.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about citing a play in MLA format. From the basic elements required in a citation to the specific formatting rules, we will walk you through the process step by step. So, let's dive in and master the art of citing plays in MLA style!

Understanding MLA Play Citation Basics

When citing a play in MLA format, it is important to include certain key elements to provide the necessary information for proper citation. These elements include the author's name, the play title, the editor's name (if applicable), the publisher, and the publication year. Let's explore each of these elements in detail:

Author's Name

The author's name refers to the playwright or the person responsible for the creation of the play. In MLA format, the author's name should be written in the following order: Last Name, First Name. If the play has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page, separating each author's name with a comma.

For example, if you are citing the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the author's name would be written as follows: Shakespeare, William.

Play Title

The play title refers to the name of the play you are citing. It should be italicized and followed by a period. If the play is part of a larger collection or anthology, the title of the play should be written in quotation marks instead of being italicized.

For example, if you are citing the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, the play title would be written as follows: Hamlet.

Editor's Name

If the play you are citing has been edited or translated by someone other than the original author, you should include the editor's name after the title of the play. The editor's name should be written in the same format as the author's name: Last Name, First Name.

For example, if you are citing an edition of "Macbeth" edited by John Smith, the citation would include the editor's name as follows: Macbeth. Ed. Smith, John.

Publisher and Publication Year

The publisher refers to the company or organization responsible for producing and distributing the play. After the editor's name, include the name of the publisher followed by a comma. Finally, include the year of publication, which can usually be found on the title page or copyright page of the play.

For example, if you are citing a published edition of "Othello" published by Penguin Classics in 2010, the citation would include the publisher and publication year as follows: Othello. Penguin Classics, 2010.

Citing a Play in the Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is an essential component of any MLA citation. It provides a complete list of all the sources referenced in your paper, including plays. When citing a play in the Works Cited page, you should follow the general MLA format guidelines. Let's explore the specific details of citing a play in the Works Cited page:

Formatting the Entry

When citing a play in the Works Cited page, the entry should begin with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the author's first name. If the play has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page, separating each author's name with a comma. After the author's name, include the play title, italicized or in quotation marks depending on whether it is a standalone play or part of a larger collection. Next, include the editor's name (if applicable), the publisher, and the publication year.

For example, a citation for the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, published by Penguin Classics in 2010 and edited by John Smith, would be formatted as follows:

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Smith, John. Penguin Classics, 2010.

Citing Different Editions or Translations

If you are citing a specific edition or translation of a play, you should include that information in the Works Cited entry. After the publication year, include a brief description of the edition or translation, such as "2nd ed." or "Translated by [Translator's Name]." This additional information helps readers locate the exact version of the play that you used in your research.

For example, if you are citing a translated edition of "Antigone" by Sophocles, you would format the citation as follows:

Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1984.

Citing Dialogue and Stage Directions

When citing a play, it is important to distinguish between dialogue and stage directions, as they are formatted differently in MLA citations. Let's explore how to properly cite dialogue and stage directions in your MLA citations:

In-Text Citations for Dialogue

When quoting dialogue from a play in your essay or paper, you should follow specific guidelines for in-text citations. Start the quotation with the character's name in all capital letters, followed by a period. Then, include the text of the quotation within quotation marks. After the closing quotation mark, include the parenthetical citation, which includes the playwright's last name and the page number.

For example, if you are quoting a line from "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, your in-text citation would look like this:

ROMEO. "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" (Shakespeare 2.2.2)

In-Text Citations for Stage Directions

Stage directions are not enclosed in quotation marks, but they should still be cited properly in your text. To cite stage directions, include the playwright's last name and the page number in parentheses after the quotation or paraphrase.

For example, if you are referencing a stage direction from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, your in-text citation would look like this:

(Shakespeare 3.1.35)

Citing Dialogue in the Works Cited Page

When citing dialogue from a play in the Works Cited page, you should follow a different format than for the rest of the citation. After the play title, specify that you are citing dialogue and include the characters' names in the order they appear in the play. Separate each character's name with a comma. Finally, include the editor's name (if applicable), the publisher, and the publication year.

For example, if you are citing a dialogue from "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, the citation would be formatted as follows:

Shakespeare, William. "The Dagger Scene." Macbeth. Penguin Classics, 2010.

Citing Shakespearean Plays

Shakespeare's plays require special attention when it comes to citation, as they often contain unique elements and structures. When citing a Shakespearean play in MLA format, there are specific guidelines to follow. Let's explore how to properly cite Shakespearean plays:

Citing Line Numbers

Unlike other plays, Shakespearean plays are typically cited using line numbers instead of page numbers. To cite a specific line or range of lines, include the act, scene, and line numbers, separating each number with periods. Use Arabic numerals for acts and scenes, and lowercase Roman numerals for the lines.

For example, if you are quoting a line from Act 3, Scene 1, Line 35 of "Macbeth," your citation would look like this:

(Macbeth 3.1.35)

Citing Acts and Scenes

When citing an entire act or scene, you can omit the line numbers and include only the act and scene numbers. Use Arabic numerals for acts and lowercase Roman numerals for scenes, separating them with periods.

For example, if you are referencing Act 5, Scene 1 of "Romeo and Juliet," your citation would look like this:

(Romeo and Juliet 5.1)

Citing Shakespearean Quotations

When quoting dialogue from a Shakespearean play, follow the same guidelines as for other plays regarding in-text citations for dialogue. Include the character's name in all capital letters, followed by a period. Then, include the text of the quotation within quotation marks. After the closing quotation mark, include the parenthetical citation, which includes the play title, act, scene, and line numbers.

For example, if you are quotinga line from "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, your in-text citation would look like this:

MACBETH. "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" (Macbeth 2.1.33-34)

Citing Shakespearean Plays in the Works Cited Page

When citing a Shakespearean play in the Works Cited page, follow the general MLA format guidelines for play citations. Include the author's last name, first name, the play title italicized, the editor's name if applicable, the publisher, and the publication year. If you are citing a specific edition or translation, include that information as well.

For example, a citation for "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, edited by John Smith and published by Penguin Classics in 2010, would be formatted as follows:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Smith, John. Penguin Classics, 2010.

Citing Anthologies and Collected Plays

When citing a play that appears in an anthology or a collection of plays, there are additional considerations to keep in mind. Let's explore how to properly cite plays within anthologies or collected works:

Citing the Play within the Anthology

When citing a play that appears in an anthology or a collection, the format of the citation differs slightly from a standalone play. Start with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the first name. Then, include the play title in quotation marks. After the play title, include the editor's name (if applicable), the anthology title italicized, the publisher, and the publication year.

For example, if you are citing the play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, which appears in the anthology "The Norton Anthology of American Literature," edited by Nina Baym and published by W.W. Norton in 2012, the citation would be formatted as follows:

Miller, Arthur. "Death of a Salesman." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Baym, Nina. W.W. Norton, 2012.

Citing the Anthology in the Works Cited Page

In the Works Cited page, you need to provide a separate citation for the anthology or collection itself. This citation should include the editor's name, the anthology title italicized, the publisher, and the publication year.

Using the previous example, the citation for "The Norton Anthology of American Literature" edited by Nina Baym and published by W.W. Norton in 2012 would be formatted as follows:

Baym, Nina, ed. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. W.W. Norton, 2012.

Citing Unpublished Plays and Manuscripts

Sometimes, you may need to cite an unpublished play or manuscript in your research. When citing an unpublished play, include as much information as possible to help readers locate the source. Here's how to properly cite unpublished plays and manuscripts:

Author's Name

Begin the citation with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the first name. If the author is unknown, start the citation with the title of the play.

Play Title

Italicize the play title and place it after the author's name. If the play does not have a title, use a descriptive phrase to identify it.

Description of the Manuscript

Include a brief description of the manuscript, stating whether it is a typescript, handwritten, or in another format. If the manuscript is housed in a specific collection or archive, include that information as well.

Location and Date

Provide the location of the manuscript, such as the library or archive where it can be found. If possible, include the date the manuscript was created or written.

For example, if you are citing an unpublished play titled "The Lost World" written by John Smith and held in the Smith Family Papers at the University of XYZ, the citation would be formatted as follows:

Smith, John. The Lost World. Typescript. Smith Family Papers, University of XYZ.

Formatting Quotations from Plays

Quoting passages from plays is a common practice in academic writing, and proper formatting is important to ensure clarity and accuracy. Here's how to format quotations from plays in MLA style:

Short Quotations

For short quotations (fewer than four lines of dialogue), enclose the quoted text within double quotation marks. Place the speaker's name in all capital letters, followed by a period. After the closing quotation mark, include the parenthetical citation with the playwright's last name and the page number.

For example, if you are quoting a short line from "Othello" by William Shakespeare, your citation would look like this:

OTHELLO. "I am not what I am." (Shakespeare 1.1.65)

Block Quotations

For longer quotations (four or more lines of dialogue), format them as block quotations. Start the quotation on a new line, indented one inch from the left margin. Omit quotation marks, and include the parenthetical citation after the final punctuation mark.

For example, if you are quoting a longer passage from "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, your citation would look like this:

BLANCHE:I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic! I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don't tell truths. I tell what ought to be truth. And if that is sinful, then let me be damned for it! (Williams 1.3.145-150)

Handling Parenthetical Citations for Plays

Parenthetical citations are essential to properly attribute information to its original source. When citing plays, it is important to include the correct information to guide readers to the specific location within the play. Let's explore how to handle parenthetical citations for plays:

Page Numbers

For printed editions of plays, include the page number(s) in the parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation "p." for a single page or "pp." for multiple pages.

For example, if you are citing a line from "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller on page 27, your parenthetical citation would look like this:

(Miller 27)

Line Numbers

For plays that are not paginated but have line numbers, include the line number(s) in the parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation "line" or "lines" before the number(s).

For example, if you are citing a line from "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, your parenthetical citation would look like this:

(Shakespeare 2.2.33)

No Page or Line Numbers

If a play does not have page or line numbers, such as in the case of an online source or an unpublished play, omit the page or line numbers from the parenthetical citation and focus on the author's name.

For example, if you are citing an online version of "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen, your parenthetical citation would look like this:

(Ibsen)

Citing Adaptations and Performance Versions

When citing adaptations or performance versions of a play, additional elements need to be considered to provide accurate and comprehensive citations. Let's explore how to properly cite adaptations and performance versions:

Adaptation Information

Start the citation with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the first name. Then, include the play title in quotation marks, followed by a period. After the title, include the role of the adapter or director, specifying their contribution to the adaptation or performance version.

For example, if you are citing an adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, directed by John Smith, your citation would be formatted as follows:

Shakespeare, William. "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Dir. Smith, John.

Performance Details

Include additional details about the performance, such as the name of the theater company, the venue, and the date of the performance. Separate each detail with a comma.

For example, if you are citing a performance of "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Globe Theatre on July 15, 2019, your citation would look like this:

Shakespeare, William. "Hamlet." Royal Shakespeare Company, Globe Theatre, 15 July 2019.

Citing Adaptations or Performance Versions in the Works Cited Page

When including adaptations or performance versions in the Works Cited page, follow the general MLA format guidelines for play citations. Include the author's last name, first name, the play title in quotation marks, the role ofthe adapter or director, the performance details, and any other relevant information such as the publisher or the URL of the performance. If the performance is available online, provide the URL at the end of the citation.

For example, a citation for an adaptation of "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, directed by John Smith and performed by the National Theatre Company on October 1, 2020, would be formatted as follows:

Shakespeare, William. "Macbeth." Dir. Smith, John. National Theatre Company, 1 Oct. 2020. Theatre Online, www.theatreonline.com/macbeth.

Helpful Tools and Resources

Citing plays in MLA format can be challenging, but there are numerous tools and resources available to assist you. These resources can help ensure accuracy and save you time when creating your citations. Here are some helpful tools and resources for citing plays:

Online Citation Generators

Online citation generators such as EasyBib, Citation Machine, and BibMe can generate MLA citations for plays and other sources automatically. Simply input the necessary information, and the citation generator will provide you with a correctly formatted citation.

MLA Style Guides

MLA style guides, such as the "MLA Handbook" or online resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), provide comprehensive guidelines for citing plays and other sources in MLA format. These resources offer detailed explanations and examples to help you navigate the citation process.

Library Databases

If you have access to academic library databases, they often provide citation tools that can generate MLA citations for plays and other sources. These tools are usually integrated into the database interface and can save you time by automatically generating accurate citations.

Style Manuals

Consulting style manuals, such as the "Chicago Manual of Style" or the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association," can also provide guidance on citing plays. While MLA is commonly used for humanities disciplines, different fields may have their own preferred citation styles.

Writing Centers and Librarians

If you need further assistance with citing plays or have specific questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your university's writing center or librarian. These resources have experts who can guide you through the citation process and provide personalized assistance.

In conclusion, mastering the art of citing plays in MLA format is essential for academic and professional writing. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge to accurately cite plays and give proper credit to the original playwrights. Remember to consult the specific requirements of your assignment or publication, as citation styles may vary. Utilize the tools and resources available to you to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of your citations. Happy citing!

Related video of How to Cite a Play MLA: A Comprehensive Guide