The Cambridge History of American Theatre

Don B. Wilmeth, Christopher Bigsby

Cambridge University Press, May 1, 2000 - Drama - 600 pages

This is an authoritative and wide-ranging history of American theatre from theatre building to playwriting, directors, performers, and designers. It addresses the economic context and approaches its subject with an awareness of literary criticism, cultural analysis, and performance theory. All volumes include an extensive overview and timeline. Volume Three examines the theatre after World War II, through Broadway and beyond and into regional theatre across the country. Contributors also analyse new directions in theatre design, directing, and acting, as well as key plays and playwrights through the 1990s.

Contents

• Preface and acknowledgments: xiv
• Introduction: xviii
• PostWorld War II to 1998: 20
• American Theatre in Context 1945Present: 86
• A Changing Theatre Broadway to the Regions: 162
• Off and OffOff Broadway: 195
• RegionalResident Theatre: 223
• Alternative Theatre: 248
• The Plays and Playwrights: 293
• Plays and Playwrights Since 1970: 330
• Musical Theatre Since World War II: 418
• Directors and Direction: 465
• Actors and Acting: 489
• American Theatre Design Since 1945: 513
• Bibliography: 533
• Index: 553

About the author

Don B. Wilmeth is Emeritus Professor of Theater and English at Brown University.

Christopher Bigsby is Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Cambridge History of American Theatre; Volume 3 of Cambridge History of American Theatre, Don B. Wilmeth, ISBN 0521780926, 9780521780926; Cambridge histories online; Volume 3 of The Cambridge History of American Theatre 3 Volume Hardback Set
• Editors: Don B. Wilmeth, Christopher Bigsby
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000
• ISBN: 0521669596, 9780521669597
• Length: 600 pages
• Subjects: Drama / American / General; History / Americas (North, Central, South, West Indies); Literary Criticism / American / General; Literary Criticism / Drama; Performing Arts / Theater / General; Performing Arts / Theater / History & Criticism; Reference / General