The Cambridge History of American Theatre

Volume One of a unique three-volume history covering all aspects of American theatre.

Don B. Wilmeth (Edited by), Christopher Bigsby (Edited by)

9780521679831, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 January 2006

544 pages, 33 b/w illus.
23.4 x 15.9 x 3.2 cm, 0.908 kg

'All three volumes have greatly contributed to a better understanding of the American theatre as a reflection of the changing political, social and cultural face of the United States.' Michael Whitlatch, Buena Vista University Journal of Theatre Research International

The Cambridge History of American Theatre is an authoritative and wide-ranging history of American theatre in all its dimensions, from theatre building to play writing, directors, performers, and designers. Engaging the theatre as a performance art, a cultural institution, and a fact of American social and political life, the History recognizes changing styles of presentation and performance and addresses the economic context that conditions the drama presented. The History approaches its subject with a full awareness of relevant developments in literary criticism, cultural analysis, and performance theory. At the same time, it is designed to be an accessible, challenging narrative. Volume One deals with the colonial inceptions of American theatre through the post-Civil War period: the European antecedents, the New World influences of the French and Spanish colonists, and the development of uniquely American traditions in tandem with the emergence of national identity.

Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth
Timeline: beginnings to 1870 compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley
1. American theatre in context from the beginning to 1870 Bruce McConachie
2. Structure and management in the American theatre from the beginning to 1870 Douglas McDermott
3. The plays and playwrights: plays and playwrights to 1800 Peter A. Davis
Plays and playwrights: 1800–1865 Gary A. Richardson
4. The actors: European actors and the star system in the American theatre, 1752–1870 Simon Williams
The emergence of the American actor Joseph Roach
5. Scenography, stagecraft, and architecture in the American theatre, beginnings to 1870 Mary C. Henderson
6. Paratheatricals and popular stage entertainment Peter G. Buckley.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK], Reference works [GBC], Theatre studies [AN]