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American drama Books
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Susan Glaspell
Plays
"Plays by Susan Glaspell" is a collection of dramatic works written during the early 20th century, featuring notable titles such as "Trifles," "The Outside," and "The Verge." The plays often explore themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and human psychology, showcasing the nuanced struggles of women in a male-dominated world. Through rich character development, Glaspell highlights the emotional landscapes of her protagonists, inviting contemplation about the nature of truth and justice. At the start of "Trifles," the scene is set in a disordered farmhouse kitchen, where a group of men, including the county attorney and sheriff, arrive to investigate the murder of John Wright, a domineering husband. Meanwhile, the wives of the men, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, enter slowly and begin to observe the seemingly trivial details of the kitchen. While the men dismiss these as unimportant, the women uncover clues about the deceased and the potential motive for murder, particularly through their empathy for Mrs. Wright's situation. This initial exploration of domestic space lays the groundwork for a powerful commentary on the often-overlooked significance of women's experiences and insights.
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One-Act Plays by Modern Authors
"One-Act Plays by Modern Authors" edited by Helen Louise Cohen is a collection of contemporary one-act plays, likely compiled during the early 20th century. This anthology highlights the evolution of the one-act play as a unique form of drama, distinct from traditional full-length plays, showcasing the creativity of modern playwrights, many of whom sought to connect with the realities and sensibilities of their time. The collection serves as both a reading and acting resource for students, offering accessible works that cater to educational settings while still appealing to broader audiences. The opening portion of the anthology establishes the context for the significance of one-act plays, particularly their emergence during a time when audiences craved fresh narratives that resonated with their experiences. It discusses the historical backdrop of the one-act play, its development alongside the Little Theatre movement, and the emerging voices of playwrights who experimented with this format. The section notably emphasizes the connection between these shorter dramas and the expressive potential they hold in both classroom studies and performances, inviting young audiences to engage actively with the art of theatre. The introduction serves to frame the plays that follow, fostering an appreciation for the modern stage and the collaborative nature of theatrical production.
Susan Glaspell
Plays
"Plays by Susan Glaspell" is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. This volume contains several one-act plays, including the well-known piece "Trifles," which explores themes of gender roles, social justice, and the complexities of human experience through the lives of its characters. The collection often revolves around women's perspectives and the societal issues they face, highlighting their experiences in a male-dominated society. The opening of the collection introduces "Trifles," setting the stage in a gloomy farmhouse where a group of men, including the County Attorney and Sheriff, are investigating the murder of John Wright. They are joined by their wives, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, who initially seem to occupy trivial roles. However, as the men dismiss various domestic objects as insignificant, the women begin to uncover deeper truths about Wright’s life and the emotional turmoil of his wife, Minnie. As the men search for tangible evidence, the women piece together the psychological narrative that ultimately reveals the motivations behind the crime, highlighting the theme of understanding versus ignorance across gender lines.
Royall Tyler
The Contrast
"The Contrast" by Royall Tyler is a comedy written in 1787. As the first professionally produced comedy by an American citizen, it satirizes Americans who blindly follow British fashions and manners. The play contrasts European sophistication with American virtue through its characters: the honorable Colonel Manly versus the snobbish Anglophile Mr. Dimple, who schemes to juggle three women while pursuing wealth. When Dimple's deceptions unravel and his true character emerges, love and honor ultimately triumph over pretense and greed in this spirited examination of American identity.
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Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1765-1819
"Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1765-1819" by Montrose Jonas Moses is a scholarly collection of plays written during the late 18th to early 19th centuries. This book focuses on American drama, reflecting the evolving social and artistic landscape of early America. It serves to highlight works that were influential in shaping American theatrical traditions and explores the historical context in which these plays were created. The collection features an array of representative works, including plays by notable figures such as Royall Tyler and William Dunlap, spanning topics from colonial experiences to emerging American identities. Each play is accompanied by an introduction that contextualizes its significance within the broader narrative of American theater, emphasizing shifts in social customs and the development of dramatic techniques. As such, the book not only preserves these early works but also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the critical role of drama in American cultural history.
Lewis Beach
Washington Square Plays
"WASHINGTON SQUARE PLAYS" by Beach, Gerstenberg, Goodman, and Moeller is a collection of one-act plays published in the early 20th century, specifically designed for the Washington Square Players, an amateur theater group. The book includes four distinct plays, each showcasing the talented and innovative spirit of the contributors, with themes that range from the personal struggles of individuals to satirical examinations of societal norms. The opening of this collection begins with a detailed introduction that discusses the evolution and significance of the one-act play in American theater, emphasizing the Washington Square Players' mission to innovate and provide diverse theatrical experiences. Following the introduction, the first play, "The Clod," presents the story of a fraught encounter between a Northern soldier and a Southern woman, set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Themes of fear, survival, and moral complexity emerge as the soldier seeks refuge from pursuing forces, while the woman grapples with her loyalty and the burden of maintaining her farmers’ home. The dramatic tension builds as external pressures escalate, revealing profound emotional depths and social critiques in this captivating opening scenario.
Percy MacKaye
Caliban by the Yellow Sands: A Community Masque of the Art of the Theatre
"Caliban by the Yellow Sands: A Community Masque of the Art of the Theatre" by Percy MacKaye is a play published in 1916 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Loosely based on "The Tempest," it centers on Caliban's desire for knowledge and art, presenting mankind's quest through symbolic characters and interposed Shakespearean scenes. MacKaye conceived this massive community spectacle to unite audiences intellectually and civically, featuring thousands of performers and drawing audiences of over 135,000 across productions in New York and Boston.
Mercy Otis Warren
The Group: A Farce
"The Group: A Farce" by Mercy Otis Warren is a satirical play written in the mid-18th century during the period of the American Revolutionary War. Recognized for its critique of loyalist sentiments and British authority, this play is a notable example of early American drama that employs humor and farce to address serious political themes, reflecting the tumult and challenges of its time. In "The Group," Warren presents a cast of characters including judicial figures, military officers, and sycophants who embody the corruption and hypocrisy of loyalists in the American colonies. The narrative unfolds in two acts, initially set in a dimly lit parlor in Boston, where discussions among the characters reveal their treachery and self-serving ambitions that threaten the principles of freedom and integrity. Through sharp dialogue and incisive wit, Warren's play exposes the moral compromises of those who align themselves with the British crown, effectively showcasing the tension between patriotism and betrayal during a pivotal moment in American history. The satire serves not only as a comedic portrayal of the times but also as a call to resist oppression and uphold the fight for independence, marking Mercy Otis Warren as a significant voice in the early American literary landscape.
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The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays
"The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays" by Sterling Andrus Leonard is a collection of one-act plays written in the early 20th century. This anthology presents various modern works, reflecting the emerging trends in contemporary theatre and the shifting dynamics in storytelling during its time. The book focuses on the themes and styles of modern drama, providing insight into the characters and conflicts that define this genre. At the start of the book, the foreword introduces the evolution of play-writing and the increasing favor of the one-act play among the reading public, especially in educational settings. The editor expresses concern about the quality of modern dramas being introduced in schools and emphasizes the importance of teaching only those works that possess enduring literary merit. The opening portion also lays the groundwork for the anthology with an overview of the plays included, highlighting their thematic richness and the diverse issues they touch upon, setting the stage for the reader's exploration of the dramatic works to follow.
Langdon Elwyn Mitchell
Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: The New York Idea
"The New York Idea" by Langdon Mitchell is a comedy play written in the early 20th century. This work explores themes of marriage, divorce, and the complexities of social relationships in a post-Victorian New York society. The central characters include Philip Phillimore, a judge, and Cynthia Karslake, a spirited woman, navigating their tumultuous feelings towards love and societal expectations. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the Phillimore family and the impending marriage of Philip to Cynthia, a recently divorced woman. The opening scenes establish a satirical social commentary on the frivolity within their elite circles as various family members and acquaintances express their opinions about the divorcees' remarriage. As the characters engage in witty banter over tea, we see their struggles with societal norms and personal histories, setting the stage for a comedic exploration of love, expectations, and the repercussions of their choices.
Percy MacKaye
The Scarecrow; or The Glass of Truth: A Tragedy of the Ludicrous
"The Scarecrow; or The Glass of Truth: A Tragedy of the Ludicrous" by Percy MacKaye is a play written in 1908. Based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Feathertop," it tells the story of a scarecrow brought to life by a witch and the Devil to seduce a young woman as revenge against her uncle. But the scarecrow develops genuine feelings of his own. When a magical mirror reveals his true nature, he must choose between his artificial existence and something far more meaningful.
Margaret Scott Oliver
Six One-Act Plays
"Six One-Act Plays" by Margaret Scott Oliver is a collection of theatrical works written in the early 20th century. The plays present a variety of narratives, including themes of love, conflict, and social issues, depicting the complex lives of characters navigating their circumstances. The first play, "The Hand of the Prophet," introduces Kodama, a merchant, and his bride Halima during a wedding celebration, where jealousy and desire unfold in their relationships. At the start of the collection, the opening play sets the scene at a wedding festivity filled with music and dance. Kodama, despite his affection for Halima, becomes increasingly irked by the presence of his cousin, Sindibad, who is enamored with Halima. Tension arises as Sindibad expresses his desire for Halima, leading to a tragic confrontation. As the story progresses, the themes of marital discord and the consequences of unchecked passion are explored, culminating in a dramatic climax that deeply affects all characters involved, hinting at broader social critiques within the ensuing plays.
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