This study of British amateur drama during the period when it was
at its most popular as a cultural practice demonstrates the
conviction in inter-war educational, theatrical and political
circles that amateur drama could have a purpose beyond the
recreational. Examining 5 distinct but inter-related examples from
around Britain in their socio-political contexts, Don Watson builds
on current scholarship as well as making use of archival sources,
local newspapers, unpublished scripts and the records of
organizations not usually associated with the theatre. This study
includes original accounts of the use of drama in the adult
education provided by educational settlements in deprived areas,
and of amateur theatre in government-funded centres for unemployed
people in the 1930s. It examines repertoires, participation by
working class people and pioneering techniques of play-making.
Amateur drama festivals and competitions were intended to raise
standards and educate audiences. This book assesses their effect on
play-making, and the use of innovative one-act plays to express
contentious material, as well as looking at the Left Book Club
Theatre Guild as an attempt to align the amateur theatre movement
with anti-fascist and anti-war movements. A chapter on the Second
World War rectifies the neglect of amateur theatre in war-time
cultural studies, arguing that it was present and important in
every aspect of war-time life. Taken as a whole, the case studies
discussed achieved a social class diversity in amateur
theatre-making and made an important contribution to British
theatre and theatre studies.
General
| Imprint: |
Methuen Drama
|
| Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
| Series: |
Cultural Histories of Theatre and Performance |
| Release date: |
February 2024 |
| Authors: |
Don Watson
|
| Series editors: |
Bruce McConachie
(Professor)
• Claire Cochrane
|
| Dimensions: |
234 x 156mm (L x W) |
| Pages: |
224 |
| ISBN-13: |
978-1-350-23204-4 |
| Categories: |
Books
Promotions
|
| LSN: |
1-350-23204-1 |
| Barcode: |
9781350232044 |
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