The American Stage: Social and Economic Issues from the Colonial Period to the Present by Engle, Ron - 1993

Cambridge Univ Pr, 1993. Review "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in 'how economic and social forces have shaped the American theatre in its 250-year history' but a fascinating historical document in its own right."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 Product Description This is the first book to focus on the economic and social forces that shaped American theater throughout its two hundred and fifty year history. The collection of essays, written by leading theater historians and critics of American theater, represent a variety of methodologies and approaches. Arranged chronologically, the volume explores such topics as anti-theatrical legislation in Colonial America; the theater's response to slavery, prostitution, alcoholism, and women's rights; the significance of Black American musical comedy; women managers in nineteenth-century American theater; economic welfare in the Federal Theater Project; theater nostalgia during the Reagan era; and contemporary issues of multiculturalism in today's theater. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of American theater and social and cultural history. A few tears on jacket, otherwise in very nice conditron.. First Edition.. Hard Cover. Fine/Very Good -.