Product Description
In a series of essays, several of the most significant figures in the field present a wide-ranging interrogation of the practice of theatre history studies at the present time, raising questions of history and historiography; the bearing of national, sexual, and racial identity on the canons of theatre history; the limits of print and the history of non-textual forms of performance; the intersections between theatre and other forms of commodification; and even the work of performance at the borders of the human.Theorizing Practice is published in association with the Huntington Library.
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This book makes available for the first time an overview of a significant segment of European theater history and, with few exceptions, none of the documents presented have been published in English before. Gathered from a rich variety of sources, including imperial and municipal edicts, contracts, architectural descriptions, playbills, stage directions, and actors' memoirs among others, the book sheds light on one of the most fascinating areas of cultural life in the German and Dutch speaking countries. ... Read more

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Our Musicals, Ourselves is the first full-scale social history of the American musical theater from the imported Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas of the late nineteenth century to such recent musicals as The Producers and Urinetown. While many aficionados of the Broadway musical associate it with wonderful, diversionary shows like The Music Man or My Fair Lady, John Bush Jones instead selects musicals for their social relevance and the extent to which they engage, directly or metaphorically, contemporary politics and culture.

Organized chronologically, with some liberties taken to keep together similarly themed musicals, Jones examines dozens of Broadway shows from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present that demonstrate numerous links between what played on Broadway and what played on newspapers' front pages across our nation. He reviews the productions, lyrics, staging, and casts from the lesser-known early musicals (the "gunboat" musicals of the Teddy Roosevelt era and the "Cinderella shows" and "leisure time musicals" of the 1920s) and continues his analysis with better-known shows including Showboat, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma, South Pacific, West Side Story, Cabaret, Hair, Company, A Chorus Line, and many others.

While most examinations of the American musical focus on specific shows or emphasize the development of the musical as an art form, Jones's book uses musicals as a way of illuminating broader social and cultural themes of the times. With six appendixes detailing the long-running diversionary musicals and a foreword by Sheldon Harnick, the lyricist of Fiddler on the Roof, Jones's comprehensive social history will appeal to both students and fans of Broadway. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

But where are the women???
With a title like, "Our Musicals, Ourselves," this book seemed incredibly promising as a musical take on the history of the gender equality movement.Alas, Jones rarely addresses women as an oppressed class.Even when important feminist protest musicals (Pins and Needles, The Club, etc.) are addressed in the text, they are given very little space and even less historical context.I found this quite disappointing considering Jones' detailed coverage of racial and class issues.I'm not critiquing Jones as misogynistic or ignorant: every scholar cannot be an expert in every discipline.Rather, I wish Jones would have mentioned his lack of knowledge in this area at some point instead of leading readers to believe he was covering this area thoroughly. . . or, Mr. Jones, perhaps don't title your book "Our Musicals, Ourselves" if you aren't going to talk about women. . .

Superb....
I thought the book was superb in that it combined the flow of the times with the need for Broadway musicals that were divisionary to counteract the divisiveness in some of the difficult eras.I echo what the previous readers said, but I wondered why the author left out some poignant, comedic and inspirational shows as The Boyfriend with Julie Andrews, Lucky Stiff, a very low key show in the late 80's that was an Ahrens and Flaherty favorite along with Ragtime, and of course, Hairspray which probably would be the best depiction of diversion! Fabulous read and great for teens and university students of the musical theatre.

The Making of the American Musical, by Patricia J. Brown, Esq., Fresno, CA
I loved this book. Ever since my high school English teacher chastised me for trying to put Miller's The Crucible in the context of the McCarthy era, I have been fascinated with the social context surrounding the creation of art. Jones focuses on the political as well as social context that has given birth to the great...and the mediocre...of the American musical. First, his use of terms such as "diversionary" ring so true for those of us who love mindless fluff when we go to the theatre. Second, I was shocked at how little I had appreciated the contributions of African-Americans, inter alia, to the American stage prior to reading this book. But, mostly, I liked how he articulated how a writer's gestalt accounts for the end product on the stage and his description of how copy-cat musicals come into being. The book gave me the backstory to many of the original shows I had the good fortune to see on Broadway. I, for one, would love a Volume II of this book to be Jones' next foray. I especially offer this to aspiring young actors, writers, directors and songwriters as a required read before embarking on a life in musical theater. If you want to create art, you must know from whence you came.

A Socio-Political History of the Broadway Musical
This book by a long-time professor of theatre arts at Brandeis University is a fascinating study of the social forces influencing the evolution of the Broadway music. Starting with the early part of the 20th-century and working his way slowly to the present day, John Bush Jones groups musicals according to their themes and intent, calling some simply 'diversionary' (the sort that is so often thought to be aimed at the 'tired businessman') and others 'issue-driven,' (those with a theme which somehow mirrors the society at large). Clearly his interest is primarily with the latter, although he does discuss some of the unconscious thematic issues of the former. He does sometimes tend to get a bit caught up in his own premises and oversell them, but by and large this is a scholarly, and entirely readable, history of an art form that was invented on our shores and brought to its peak here, although it has been imitated prolifically elsewhere. He makes the point that most of the creators were Jewish (as he is) but doesn't offer much of an explanation for why this might be so.He focuses repeatedly on such things as shows with African-American, Jewish, political, sociological and psychological themes. He offers a fine analysis of the so-called 'concept musical' (e.g., 'Company' or 'Chorus Line') which he prefers to call 'fragmented musicals,' a description which points out their lack of an ordinary linear plot line.

One could argue with some of his emphases and analyses, but one has to respect the depth and breadth of his research and knowledge. He analyzes sociopolitical themes at length in such musicals as 'Show Boat,' 'The Cradle Will Rock,' 'Pal Joey,' 'Oklahoma,' 'South Pacific,' 'Carousel,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' and others. Sometimes he finds hidden meanings that I had a hard time agreeing with, but I can only admire his imaginative look at some musicals that many of us tend to see as primarily 'diversionary.'

The book includes appendices listing the most popular or important musicals grouped roughly by decade and the number of performances they achieved. And there is also an extensive bibliography. I've read many books about the musical theatre and this one is unique in its perspective; it brings an interesting slant to the subject. Thus, it is a worthy addition to the long list of important books about the art form.

Scott Morrison

Marvelous New View of Musical Theater
As a lover of Musical Theater, and (minor) toiler in the vineyards, myself, I have probably read hundreds of books on the subject. Therefore, it is always a special treat to find one that brings a fresh slant to the subject. Jones' book does just that. By treating musical theater styles neither as a simple reflection of, nor an escape from the world at large, but rather as an integral part of the whole, he presents a broad, but always entertaining and on-target view of both the 20th century and musical theater's part within same. There are, as there always are in works of this scope, some factual errors (e.g. "No Strings" wasn't Richard Rodgers' only "public" credit as a lyricist. He's also so credited on the score for the TV musical "Androcles & The Lion". It ain't Broadway-in every sense-but it IS public!) but none that take anythng away from the over-all achievement of the work. ... Read more

Product Description
Give students a "you are there" perspective on the unfolding of critical milestones, memorable circumstances, and colorful venues that have shaped the American experience. Arranged chronologically, these 24 readers theatre scripts put students in roles of selected historical figures where they can travel with a determined family along the Oregon Trail or to the moon with Neil Armstrong. Activity ideas and learning extensions follow each script. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not teacher friendly
I find that the Kindle is not very teacher friendly as The Readers Theater can not be printed out to use with the class. I deleted all my clippings and now still can not add to print the readers theater scripts for use in classes Permission from the Publisher has been used...And I didn't copy but maybe three full scripts....hope this can be fixed ...I love my Kindle and have been very fortunate to be one of the first to have one! ... Read more

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Living Theater: A History conveys the excitement and variety of theater throughout time and the dynamic way in which our interpretation of theater history is informed by contemporary scholarship. Rather than presenting readers with a mere catalog of historical facts and figures, Wilson and Goldfarb set each period in context through an exploration of the social, political and economic conditions of the day, and create a vivid study of the developments in theater during that time. Changes to the third edition include the addition of new biographies of key players in the dramatic world, expanded existing biographies, and a completely revised chapter on early Asian theater. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Book That Falls Apart a Little at the End
This is an excellent book that is interesting, very well organized and extremely well written.

Then World War II ends and the book fails to remain interesting or well organized.Basically it falls apart.I believe that what happened is that without historical concensus to determine what is important and less important, the book bogs down as it delivers raw facts about present day theater without a framework or context to organize the message.

Never the less, I am keeping the book at 5 stars because if you are looking to read a book on Theater History, this is the one to get.It's a first class read through WWII.

Excellent condition and great material for furthering my education
My book came in excellent condition and I recieved it promptly. I will certainly deal with this bookshop again and again!!!!!!!

Eh... not the greatest
True, this book is full of great information. If that's your only basis for analysis, then fine, it's good.

But it tries to be so politically correct that at some points it can't speak at all. Many of the paragraphs are phrased quite redundantly, + there are entire sections of expository text that are a waste of time.

I'm just glad I had a good professor to teach me this, or I would have absolutely hated this book.

Living Theatre: A History
Just what the professor ordered! My son is quite pleased with this purchase.He needed the text for his theatre class in college.Thanks for the speedy delivery.

An excellent resource for any person studying theater.
This is a [must have] for anyone who desires to study theater outside of high school and into college. Throughout my studies in college, I constantly referred back to this piece for references. It is an expensive book, but trust me. You will get your money's worth out of this one. ... Read more

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This paperback edition, incorporating corrections and updates, contains more distilled information on the theatrical arts of Asia-Oceania than any other single volume yet published. A broad-ranging pan-Asian essay lucidly explores the basic themes of ritual, dance, puppetry, masks, training, performance, while national entries provide the historical development of theater in twenty countries. Major theater forms of each country are accompanied by entries on significant playwrights, actors and directors. An index and reading lists make this work indispensable. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

A Must-Have for Theatre Students
This is a must-have book for any student of Theatre and History. Very comprehensive and useful guide that I found helpful in my theatre history class.

What was theatre really like?
So...what was Euripides like during rehearsal? Kind of cranky, it appears. What did they do for special effects in the 17th century? Quite a lot, actually: floating gods and goddesses, strange animals, they had it all.First-hand accounts will show you all this and more in a fascinating bookfor theatre lovers. I had read this during a college course years ago, andwas delighted that it's still in print. A good read and reference for thoseinterested in theatre, literature, and history, only slightly marred byoccasionally poor quality illustrations.

Excellent book for students, teachers and (even) theatergoer
The author divides the material in 14 parts: Antiquity, The Middle Ages, The golden age of Spain, Italian Renaissance, Tudor and Stewart periods, The age of Louis XIV, The restoration theater, Venetian comedy, Eighteenthcentury England, Weimar Classicism, Nineteenth Century England, TheAmerican Theater, European naturalism.- For each period, the author hascollected more than 300 primary texts, through which we feel that the pastis still next to us. The spectator's manners, the way of acting, theconditions of rehearsals, the reactions of the audience, all of them cometo us through real documents. More than 80 pictures in black-and-whitecomplete this very good edition. (The pictures are, unfortunately, not verywell printed.) I really suggest this editon. ... Read more

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A revised version of a cultural history of British theatre in the second half of the twentieth century ... Read more

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This volume covers the period that saw the establishment in France of a centralized official theater--not only the Comédie-Française, but an Italian theater and a state Opera; the often subversive independent theaters are also discussed.Nearly 1000 documents are, for the most part, newly translated and many are published for the first time. Over 120 pictorial documents provide a visual dimension where relevant. A copious bibliography helps to make this an important reference work and a valuable research tool. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic Resource for a History of Theatre Theory and Practice
Carlson starts with the Greeks in his historical review of the theatre.Aristotle kicks the time line off with his Poetics, then Carlson introduces other Greek authors who addressed and responded to Aristotle's philosophy. Carlson then moves forward chronologically through the centuries, focusing on key people who contributed thought and new works in the realm of Theatre Theory.

This work is dense material, and best meant for upper division college students and graduate students.I know it has been a staple text for many Theatre Theory professors and their pupils (from undergrad to PhD).

I find that it is helpful to know the basic histories of the periods which Carlson addresses.Knowing the context in which the art was created helps put things into a greater context and organization. Carlson does explain a bit about the culture of the times in which each theory was developed, however since this text is a text on theory and not history in general, he does not go into great detail about the history of the period, but rather the history of the theory itself.

Carlson is clearly well researched, and therefore makes an excellent secondary and tertiary source for matters related to theory and the theorists.

Quintessential

There are a number of reviews listed here that praise the work of Marvin Carlson. I feel that all I can do is reiterate the strongest of reviews and praises for Carlson and his work. This book is not only essential for graduate students, but for all scholars of theatre. Carlson has undertaken a tremendous task, and completed it with skill, ingenuity, and a level of understanding -- not only of the theories included in this volume, but the historiography involved in collecting these theories --- which all scholars should strive for.

A Must Have Reference
Dr. Carlson does the remarkable by condensing the dominant Western theatre ideals and theories into a series of chapters. Major names and works are cited along with the theories. While a work of this sort cannot go into great detail, this book is a must have for anyone interested in theatre history and theory. ... Read more

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From the 1890 penny arcades and the opulent and ornate movie houses of the 1920s and 1930s to the drive-in theatres of the 1950s and the multiplex cinemas of today, movie theatres have provided an environment where millions of Americans learned about life, culture, politics, romance, and sex. In this entertaining and lively book, Maggie Valentine examines theatres as products and symbols of their time, and shows how they influenced and were influenced by architectural trends and the economic, social, and political forces of the era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great book
I am a brazilian architect, working now in a thesis research about movie theaters located in my city, Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. I found this book in B&N store, in New York. It's a great book! GOOD for mywork in research end for teaching architecture design (at an architectureschool)about movie theaters. (sorry for my poor english...)

The best book on this subject I have ever read!
Having worked and managed movie theatres from the 40s thru early 70s, andnow considered a "dinosaur" of that age, was completelycaptivated by the coverage accomplished by Ms.Valentine, especially on theaccomplishments of architect Lee.She captured the "flavor" andcontext of that wonderful era,never to be again. And surprise ofsurprises,I actually managed or knew intimately of some of the theatresMr.Lee designed or worked on! I have nearly all the books published onmovie theatres,et al,but have to admit this particular tome really grabbedme emotionally with text and photos so for the while it took me to readthis book(hard to put down)I re-lived that era in a way I never thoughtpossible. (The Arden in Lynwood, Tower in L.A., the old Alhambra inAlhambra, are only a few I "set foot in again"!)..if I could giveit more than 5 stars I would! A tip of my hat to Ms.Valentine, to Mr.Lee,and the great bunch of people I worked with, and for, oh, so many, manyyears ago

I am author's brother and hope everyone will buy one
My sister has written a very intelligent and well thought out book. She deserves to be rich and famous. ... Read more

Product Description
This book charts the developmentof theatrical presentation at a time of great cultural and political upheaval. With few exceptions, the documents from France, Germany, Russia, Scandinavia, Italy and Spain are unavailable to an English-reading public and many are out of print (or unpublished) in their original language. The volume contains numerous illustrations, the source location for each document and substantial bibliography. ... Read more

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This is the first volume in the series Theatre in Europe: a documentary history. The authors have compiled a documentary account of the theatre in Britain during the Restoration and Georgian period, which covers some 120 years of theatrical activity. It was an exciting period that saw the first arrival of the scenic stage in the public theatres of London, bringing with it a whole new approach to staging and performance. The development outlined in the volume shows the progression of the theatre from a tightly controlled, court-based institution in the Restoration to an ebullient, bustling, commercial undertaking with wide popular appeal in the late Georgian period. The collection of primary source material (both verbal and visual) documents changes in government control and censorship, company management, actors and acting styles, stage presentation, playhouse design and audience response. ... Read more

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This is a brief edition of the most successful theatre history book on the market today providing a trimmer, less expensive, and more accessible paperback version. History of Theatre — Brief Edition provides the same full coverage of world theatre as the original. The histories of African and Asian theatre are given their own units, ensuring their unique developments will not be obscured within the coverage of Western theatre. Chapters have been trimmed to make them easier to cover but have also been revised to provide up-to-date and accurate information that is The History of the Theatre’s hallmark. This paperback edition is extensively illustrated.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great overview, especially for high school students
Having used the larger, fuller Brockett and Hildy's "History of the Theatre" for college students, I find the Foundation Edition especially good for high school students interested in theatre in general but who are not majoring in theatre.The Foundation Edition is shorter, more concise, yet retains the structure and essential discussions as the larger edition. ... Read more

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This is the first of two volumes of documents that describe the growth and development of theater in the United States. This book goes from the beginnings of theater in the North American colonies up to the First World War. It is organized in three chronological sections, each with its own introduction, documents and commentary, arranged into chapters on business practice, acting, theater buildings, drama, design, and audience behavior. Written sources include records of business transactions, letters, newspaper reports, reviews, memoirs and architectural descriptions. There are also numerous pictorial items. Volume 2, scheduled for publication in late 1996, covers the period from 1915 to the present. ... Read more

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In this masterly survey, Glynne Wickham outlines the development of drama throughout the world over the last 3,000 years, from its origins in primitive dance rituals to the 1990s--an ideal introduction to the subject for all lovers of the theatre. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a good resource
Okay, so this author's style is AWFUL.And, in the fifth century BCE "Confucious establishes Buddhism in China"?Um, no!(But as far as the facts in this book pertaining to the actual subject of the history of theatre, it seems safe.)

However, Wickham does present some elucidating views that refreshed my artistic vision.It helps in my creative journey to know more about the mindsets of those who practiced dance drama and the first tragedies.

He shows how themes in different cultures parallel and influence each other, and how history influenced theatre and theatre influenced history.

Everything is presented nicely, and the significance of everything is well-established.

I do wish that there were more specific descriptions of certain equipment and methods used in the theatre during various time periods.I'm reading this book to refresh what I've already learned in theatre history classes, and I feel a lot was left out that is relevant to productions today.

Wickham is, however, really good about presenting an educated opinion on certain events.And he understands the difference between speculation and fact.

This is a worthwhile read, and is excellent for "brushing up", but not for use as an introduction to theatre history.(The way the information is presented is meaty and helpful, but I wouldn't've cared about it without already having established a foundation.)

A History of the Theater (Performing Arts)
This is a text book for a book club in preparation for the opening of the new Dallas Performing Arts Center which when opened this year will complete the Dallas Arts District which has been in the works since the early part of 1980. I look forward to many useful tidbits that this book will offer me this year and for years to come. ... Read more

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Bring the women who shaped American history to life in the classroom! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A superbly presented educational resource
Chari R. Smith's Extraordinary Women From U.S. History: Readers Theater For Grades 4-8 is an informed and informative collection of read-aloud play scripts that bring the true stories of historic American heroines to life. Brief plays portray the life and accomplishments of Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Blackwell, Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Very strongly recommended for elementary through high-school level Women's Studies and American History curriculum supplement resource collections, Extraordinary Women From U.S. History is superbly presented educational resource for making American history fun and exciting to learn.

Fun way to learn!
With her set of plays and follow-up activities, Chari Smith has proved that learning CAN be fun. Teachers will love this book - but so will other youth leaders who want to introduce kids to these famous women who helped shape America.

Extraordinary Women from U.S. History
Teachers and parents take note: this is a wonderful resource for bringing history to life! These plays about women who made significant contributions to America are designed to be read by students in a classroom, but are also great for families around a dinner table. The well-crafted texts cover Harriet Tubman, Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nellie Bly, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Elizabeth Blackwell--a cross section of inspiring women.The author also includes background information, follow up activites, and presentation suggestions. Excellent all round! ... Read more

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Powerful and diversified as it already was, theatrical life in London focused in 1576 upon the opening in Shoreditch of James Burbage's Arena Theatre. Here the plays of Shakespeare, with those of many other writers, shaped and were shaped by popular demand. His company, as Lord Hunsdon's Men, settled in the theatre from 1594 to 1598. The Arena was the model for a dozen later structures. In this book Professor Bradbrook characterizes Shakespeare's achievements and those of his contemporaries and endeavours to 'place' them in their social and differing theatrical contexts. Part I is concerned with the sociology of the theatre and traces the evolution of the new drama from the later years of Elizabeth into the more established conditions of Jacobean times. Part II shows the interaction of Jonson's work for the court with Shakespeare's for the popular stage. As the leading writer now for the King's Men at the Globe I, Shakespeare's reaction to Jonson's challenge and stimulus was an increasing use of romantic elements in his plays, as he integrated the material demanded by the very different audiences at the Globe, the Blackfriars and the court. Finally in Part III, she outlines the post-Shakespearean developments. ... Read more