The American Stage

Ron Engle editor Tice L Miller editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:6th May '93

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The American Stage cover

This book focuses on the economic and social forces which shaped American theatre throughout its history.

This book focuses on the economic and social forces which shaped American theatre throughout its 250-year history. The collection of essays, written by leading theatre historians and critics of the American theatre, represent a variety of methodologies and approaches, and reflect the disparity and diversity of the social and economic issues which have moulded the cultural heritage of America. Arranged chronologically, the volume explores such topics as anti-theatrical legislation in Colonial America; the theatre's response to slavery, prostitution, alcoholism and women's rights; the significance of black American musical comedy; women managers in nineteenth-century American theatre; economic welfare in the Federal Theatre Project; theatre nostalgia during the Reagan era; and issues of multiculturalism in theatre. Alone or as a collection, the essays will stimulate discussions concerning the traditionally held views of America's theatrical heritage.

"As we contend with the impending death of the NEA and NEH, The American Stage becomes a timely and telling collection of essays. As these authors cogently demonstrate, theatre is neither "a plaything of the elite" nor a product of a select group of artists who want to parade around the stage to live out their darkest fantasies." Theatre Survey Volume 36:2
"...not only a valuable resource for students interested in 'how economic and social forces have shaped the American theatre in its 250-year history' but a fascinating historical document in its own right." Richard Wattenberg, Essays in Theatre
"...informative collection of 20 essays, written by some of the eminent authorities in various fields...a book that students of theater and popular culture in general will want to read." Ray Browne, Journal of American Culture
"...a fascinating volume in its diversity of subject and approach and one that every serious student of American theatre should read and every library should own." Mary Henderson, Broadside Newsletter
"All in all, The American Stage is an enjoyable read whether taken as a whole or taken chapter-by-chapter according to interest. Recommended for all who are involved in serious theatre research or simply curious about the colorful history of the American theatre." Alma J. Bennett, Journal of American Culture

ISBN: 9780521412384

Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 21mm

Weight: 660g

344 pages