Publisher Description

Performing the American Frontier, 1870-1906 examines how the American frontier was presented in theatrical productions during the critical period from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of cinema. In chronological fashion, the book explores the post-Civil War resurgence of interest in drama about the frontier, which led to a host of action-packed melodramas. From famous personalities such as Mark Twain and 'Buffalo Bill' Cody to lesser known individuals such as native American playwright and actress Gowongo Mohawk, Hall examines the plays, the players, and the playwrights who helped to define the American westward migration in theatrical terms and covers the complete dramatic experience including scenery, performance, and staging. The book demonstrates the extraordinary variety of subject matter and theatrical styles used to dramatise the frontier, and places frontier drama within the context of its society by framing the productions with the contemporary debates on national policies.

Author Biography

Roger A. Hall is Professor of Theatre at James Madison University, Virginia.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction: conditions and contradictions; 1. Reemergence: 1870-2; 2. Explosion: 1872-6; 3. Prominence: 1877-83; 4. Phenomenon: 1883-92; 5. Respect: 1893-9; 6. Dominance: 1899-1906; Summary; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

Review

"Roger Hall's engagingly written study of frontier drama provides a good overview of the topic." Great Plains Quarterly "An important reference work." Western American Literature "The book will no doubt be of interest to specialists in frontier theater and is an important reference work." Southwestern American Literature "A tremendous resource that will be beneficial not only to theater studies but also to anyone interested in the complex relationship between a wide range of cultural productions (literary realism, cinema, even painting and illustration) and the geographical and iconic status of the American West..." Comparative Drama

Review Quote

"The book will no doubt be of interest to specialists in frontier theater and is an important reference work." Southwestern American Literature

Promotional "Headline"

This book examines how the American frontier was presented in theatrical productions.

Description for Bookstore

Performing the American Frontier, 1870-1906 examines how the American frontier was presented in theatrical productions during the critical period from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of cinema. The book demonstrates the extraordinary variety of subject matter and theatrical styles used to dramatize the frontier.

Description for Library

Performing the American Frontier, 1870-1906 examines how the American frontier was presented in theatrical productions during the critical period from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of cinema. The book demonstrates the extraordinary variety of subject matter and theatrical styles used to dramatize the frontier.

Details