The Theatre in America during the Revolution

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.

• Covers American theatre extensively from the period 1774–1784 • Demonstrates how theatre impacted on military and political moves • Chronicles little-known plays and is a valuable research tool

Preface; Prologue; Part I. Setting the Stage: Before the Revolution: 1. The drama of the approaching revolution; 2. British military theatre, 1775–1777; 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, 1778–1779; 7. British military theatre, 1779–1782; Part III. Setting the Stage: America Ascendant: 8. American plays and amusements, 1780–1782; Part IV. Setting the stage: America Triumphant: 9. American professional theatre, 1781–1783; Epilogue; Appendix; Notes; Bibliography; Index.