Performing the American Frontier, 1870-1906

by Roger A. Hall

Overview

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 film. From famous personages 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521035170
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/14/2006
Series:	Cambridge Studies in American Theatre and Drama , #13
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher