The Theatre in America during the Revolution

A chronicle of American and British theatre during the American Revolution.

Jared Brown (Author)

9780521033824, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 February 2007

240 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.5 cm, 0.361 kg

"...as a chronology of Revolutionary War era theatre events and a compilation of useful data on theatre company finances during that period, Brown's study, The Theatre in American during the Revolution is very serviceable." Richard Wattenberg, Essays in Theatre

This is a comprehensive attempt to assemble all that is known of theatre at the time of America's political birth. Because many plays performed during the Revolution were overrun with partisan politics, they were not always aesthetically enticing; yet this was one of the only historical eras in which the theatre was used by both sides to help achieve military and political objectives. Whether moralistic or satirical, the plays of the revolution offer unique insights into the sympathies and fears of both loyal and dissident parties, and so serve as a telling document of a socially turbulent age. Brown's extensive research coheres into an invaluable theatrical and historical chronicle which should prove a useful resource for those working in the field.

Preface
Prologue
Part I. Setting the Stage: Before the Revolution: 1. The drama of the approaching revolution
2. British military theatre, 1775–7
3. Miscellaneous diversions: Philadelphia, 1778
4. American military theatre and 'entertainments', 1778
Part II. Setting the Stage: Britain Ascendant: 5. The drama of the revolution
6. British military theatre, 1778–9
7. British military theatre, 1779–82
Part III. Setting the Stage: America Ascendant: 8. American plays and amusements, 1780–2
Part IV. Setting the stage: America Triumphant: 9. American professional theatre, 1781–3
Epilogue
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]