The Cambridge History of American Theatre: Volume 2, 1870–1945

Volume Two of the authoritative, multi-volume Cambridge History of American Theatre begins in the post-Civil War period and traces the development of American theatre up to 1945. It covers all aspects of theatre from plays and playwrights, through actors and acting, to theatre groups and directors. Topics examined include vaudeville and popular entertainment, European influences, theatre in and beyond New York, the rise of the Little Theatre movement, changing audiences, modernism, the Federal Theatre movement, scenography, stagecraft, and architecture. Contextualising chapters explore the role of theatre within the context of American social and cultural history, and the role of American theatre in relation to theatre in Europe and beyond. This definitive history of American theatre includes contributions from the following distinguished academics - Thomas Postlewait, John Frick, Tice L. Miller, Ronald Wainscott, Brenda Murphy, Mark Fearnow, Brooks McNamara, Thomas Riis, Daniel J. Watermeier, Mary C. Henderson, and Warren Kliewer.

• Initial chapter examines theatre as part of an integrated cultural history • A detailed comparative chronological chart provides detail on theatrical events, other US cultural/historical highlights, and world history • Considers theatre as a performance art, a cultural institution, and as a key factor in American social and political life

Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth; Timeline: 1870–1945: compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley; 1. The hieroglyphic state: American theatre and society, post Civil War to 1945 Thomas Postlewait; 2. A changing theatre: New York and beyond John Frick; 3. The plays and playwrights: civil war to 1896 Tice L. Miller; Plays and playwrights: 1896–1915 Ronald Wainscott; Plays and playwrights: 1915–1945 Brenda Murphy; 4. Theatre groups and their playwrights Mark Fearnow; 5. Popular entertainment Brooks McNamara; 6. Musical theatre Thomas Riis; 7. Actors and acting Daniel J. Watermeier; 8. Scenography, stagecraft, and architecture Mary C. Henderson; 9. Directors and direction Warren Kliewer.

‘Nowhere has the American theatre been treated to such a thorough discussion of its culture, plays and players, directors, designers, architects and producers, also encompassing the development and transformation of the theatre within the country’s changing social and political climate.’ Michael Whitlatch, Journal of Theatre Research International

‘Wilmeth and Bigsby’s history is the finest written about the American theatre in many years. A must for all college and university libraries.’ Choice

‘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