Performing the American Frontier, 1870–1906

Performing the American Frontier, 1870–1906 examines how the American frontier was presented in theatrical productions during the critical period from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of cinema. In chronological fashion, the book explores the post-Civil War resurgence of interest in drama about the frontier, which led to a host of action-packed melodramas. From famous personalities such as Mark Twain and ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody to lesser-known individuals such as native American playwright and actress Gowongo Mohawk, Hall examines the plays, the players, and the playwrights who helped to define the American westward migration in theatrical terms and covers the complete dramatic experience including scenery, performance and staging. The book demonstrates the extraordinary variety of subject matter and theatrical styles used to dramatize the frontier, and places frontier drama within the context of its society by framing the productions with the contemporary debates on national policies.

• Demonstrates the wide variety of subject matter and theatrical styles used to dramatize the frontier • Not limited to the analysis of play texts, but covers complete dramatic experience including scenery, performance and staging • Places frontier drama within the context of its society

List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction: conditions and contradictions; 1. Reemergence: 1870–1872; 2. Explosion: 1872–1876; 3. Prominence: 1877–1883; 4. Phenomenon: 1883–1892; 5. Respect: 1893–1899; 6. Dominance: 1899–1906; Summary; Notes; Bibliography; Index.