A Cowboy Walked Into a Bar

In this book, Bill Black presents an entire theatrically based monologue show using his own poetry. It was written and developed by Black as an expanding show he presented to audiences in the Southwest. He then presents details on how a monologue show like this is created. This section is a short history of oral performance as well as a detailed analysis of this specific show. Perhaps the most significant aspect of his information is his methods for lengthening or shortening the main show for special venues and audiences. Black then presents a selection of other performance poems he wrote during the same time he was developing the show. Although they are all workable performance poems, he briefly explains why they were not included in the show. While many monologue shows have been developed, few writers have been as candid as Black on how the show is made to work. Black brings over a half century of writing and performing experience into this play and its analysis.