Author: Chinoy, Helen Krich and Jenkins, Linda Walsh

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Newspaper (article)

Summary:

Review by Elizabeth Hamilton of the book Women in American Theatre [New York, NY: Crown Publishers, 1981, 370 p.]. A wealth of history documenting the fact that women have always been in the theatre and that they have executed their jobs with distinction is presented to us in Women In American Theatre. Sub-titled Careers, Images, Movements An Illustrated Anthology and Sourcebook, Women in American Theatre is a collection of essays covering women's involvement in the theatre in a loosely historical arrangement, from ancient rituals to the present. Most of the essays are previously unpublished.

The book is divided into six sections.

Abstract:

Review by Elizabeth Hamilton of the book Women in American Theatre [New York, NY: Crown Publishers, 1981, 370 p.].

A wealth of history documenting the fact that women have always been in the theatre and that they have executed their jobs with distinction is presented to us in Women In American Theatre. Sub-titled Careers, Images, Movements An Illustrated Anthology and Sourcebook, Women in American Theatre is a collection of essays covering women's involvement in the theatre in a loosely historical arrangement, from ancient rituals to the present. Most of the essays are previously unpublished.

The book is divided into six sections. Female Rites describes women's roles in tribal ceremonies, in pageants, and in social and reform movements, as well as their passages into adulthood. The remaining sections focus on particular women in the history of American theatre: actresses, playwrights, directors, agents, critics, casting directors, producers, designers, and more. Each subject is studied in depth either in essay or interview form.

Most of the chapters are written by women teachers and professors. The essays range from entertainingly anecdotal mini-biographies to serious erudite analyses of particular plays, authors, or statistics. Each section is introduced by one of the editors. The author/editors come from formidable academic and professional credentials.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Community Development