Summary of "American Theatre - 2"

Summary of “American Theatre - 2”

This video lecture explores the development of American theatre from the 19th century onward, highlighting key historical, social, and artistic transformations. It traces the professionalization of theatre, the spread of theatrical culture across the expanding United States, and the emergence of distinctive American theatrical genres and playwrights. The discussion also covers the impact of major historical events such as the Civil War and the Great Depression on American theatre, as well as the rise of realism and socially engaged drama in the 20th century.

Key Artistic Techniques, Concepts, and Creative Processes

Professionalization and Expansion (19th Century)

Theatre became a professional art form centered in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Stock companies toured the expanding western frontier, spreading theatre culture nationwide.
American playwrights began writing original plays instead of relying solely on European works.
Theatre became a platform for social and political activism, addressing contemporary issues.

Genres and Styles

Minstrel Shows Popular but problematic entertainment using blackface and racial stereotypes.
Melodrama
- Characterized by sensational plots, exaggerated emotions, and clear moral distinctions (good vs. evil).
- Themes included justice, redemption, crime, poverty, and working-class struggles.
- Utilized elaborate set designs, innovative special effects, and live music to enhance dramatic impact.
Comedy and Musical Sketches Especially prominent in Irish-American theatre, blending humor, music, and social commentary.
Realism (20th Century) Influenced by European playwrights like Ibsen and Chekhov, focusing on everyday life and psychological depth.

Notable Playwrights and Their Contributions

Augustin Daly Known for popular melodramatic plays and novels.
Dion Boucicault Irish-American playwright who blended melodrama with social themes; wrote over 150 plays including The Octoroon.
Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart Famous for comedic plays depicting New York life, often with Irish-American cultural influences.
David Belasco Renowned for meticulous, realistic stagecraft and lighting, creating immersive theatrical experiences; famous for Madame Butterfly.

Theatre and the Civil War

Plays reflected sectional tensions, slavery, and abolitionism.
Examples include:
- The Hidden Hand (1859) – melodrama addressing abolitionism and sectional conflicts.
- The Octoroon (pre-Civil War) – explored race, slavery, and social dilemmas.
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) – influential anti-slavery play based on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel.
- Our American Cousin – comedy notable for being performed during Lincoln’s assassination.

20th Century Realism and Social Critique

Playwrights such as Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Lorraine Hansberry, Sam Shepard, August Wilson, and Wendy Wasserstein emerged.
Themes included family dynamics, addiction, existential despair, the American Dream, social justice, race, feminism, and identity.
Key works:
- Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night (semi-autobiographical, exploring family and addiction).
- Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
- Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (critique of the American Dream).
- Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun (first African-American woman playwright on Broadway).
- August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle (chronicling African-American life).
- Wendy Wasserstein’s plays addressing contemporary women’s issues.

Impact of the Great Depression

The Federal Theatre Project (FTP) was established under Roosevelt’s New Deal to support theatre professionals and promote cultural enrichment.
FTP encouraged experimentation and social commentary in theatre.
Plays addressed poverty, labor struggles, social inequity, and economic exploitation.
Notable works from this period:
- Waiting for Lefty – one-act play on worker solidarity and social justice.
- The Cradle Will Rock – musical about unionization and corporate corruption.
- Pins and Needles – musical by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, depicting working-class life.
- Living Newspaper series – documentary-style plays incorporating current events and statistics to educate and engage audiences.

Important Playwrights and Contributors Mentioned

Augustin Daly
Dion Boucicault
Edward Harrigan
Tony Hart
David Belasco
Eugene O’Neill
Tennessee Williams
Arthur Miller
Lorraine Hansberry
Sam Shepard
August Wilson
Wendy Wasserstein

This lecture provides a broad overview of American theatre’s evolution, emphasizing its role as a reflection of societal changes and a tool for cultural expression and political engagement. It encourages further exploration of key plays and playwrights to understand the complexities of American theatrical history.