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American Theatre

American Theatre. Outlawed Theatre. Under Puritanical control, theatre performances in the American Colonies were outlawed. Viewing dramatic or comic plays was thought to influence the behavior of the young and lead to maliciousness.

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American Theatre

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  1. American Theatre

  2. Outlawed Theatre • Under Puritanical control, theatre performances in the American Colonies were outlawed. • Viewing dramatic or comic plays was thought to influence the behavior of the young and lead to maliciousness. • Audience was targeted with fines for viewing the devilish acts. • Professional actors, are said to have toured with amateur groups.

  3. 1700’s • Ideas began to change • Elegant balls became popular recreation for the wealthy. • Stories of the glamour of the English stage arrived with each docking ship. • Settlers began to feel the void • As rebellious attitudes grew, so did the acceptance of new ideas. • Many plays were produced by amateurs

  4. First American Perfomances • It is impossible to know when or where the first performance took place • Performances took place in courtrooms and coffee houses or anywhere the actors could find room • Overcrowding led to riots. • New laws tried to keep stage plays out, but the people won their freedom and American theatre was born

  5. American Theatre • There were few American-written plays • Shakespeare and other British writers became a staple for local actors • First American Theatre was built in Williamsburg, VA in 1716 • The mortgage was foreclosed in 1723 • Later used to produce amateur college performances

  6. Theatrical Families • Were not uncommon overseas • Mid 1700’s they began appearing in the colonies • Less expensive and easier to travel and produce plays as a family • Each family member had a special trade and several stock roles • Had to be some actors from outside the family, but this usually resulted in actors marrying other actors • Their children naturally gravitated to acting careers

  7. The Hallams • One of the most prevalent theatre families • Young Lewis Hallam made his debut at 12 with a single line • He was so overcome with stage fright that he ran from the stage, crying, and didn’t even say a word • He finally overcame his stage fright and acted on the American stage for 50 years • Died in 1808

  8. Barrymores • Bridged the gap between early American theatre and modern film • Irish actor, John Drew, traveled to the states in 1846 • Married Louise Lane • Three children • Their daughter, Georgiana, married Irish actor, Maurice Barrymore • Three children • Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore • These became some of the stage’s first “household names” • Today Drew Barrymore is a favorite in film, not just in America, but around the world

  9. Barrymore Family Tree

  10. American Theatre • Even as it grew and strengthened, American theatre lacked its own identity • Companies capitalized on European plays until the early 20th century • Hollywood was becoming the center of the film industry for the world • Even though the stage was overshadowed by film, it still was able to gain notoriety

  11. American playwrights • Eugene O’neill • Thorton Wilder • Lillian Hellman • William Saroyan • Arthur Miller • Tennessee Williams • Neil Simon • Lorraine Hansberry • Beth Henley

  12. Eugene O’neill1888-1953 • The Iceman Cometh • Mourning Becomes Her • Electra • A Long Day’s Journey Into Night

  13. Thornton Wilder1897-1975 • Our Town • The Matchmaker (Hello, Dolly)

  14. Lillian Hellman1905-1984 • The Little Foxes • Watch on the Rhine • The Searching Wind

  15. William Saroyan1908-1981 • The Time of Your Life • After the Fall

  16. Arthur Miller1915-2005 • Death of a Salesman • The Crucible • All My Sons

  17. Tennessee Williams1911-1983 • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof • Night of the Iguana • A Streetcar Named Desire • Suddenly Last Summer

  18. Neil Simon1927- • The Odd Couple • Brighton Beach Memoirs • Barefoot in the Park • Star-Spangled Girl

  19. Lorraine Hansberry1930-1965 • A Raisin in the Sun • Les Blancs

  20. Beth Henley1952- • Crimes of the Heart • The Miss Firecracker Contest

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