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Voices Documents New Interpretations: Decades of Modern American Drama

Ruben Cox

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Published in Modern American Drama: Playwriting 2000 2009: Voices Documents New Interpretations (Decades Of Modern American Drama: Playwriting From The 1930s To 2009)

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The recent publication of Voices: A Documentary History of the American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940-2010 (edited by Jeffrey H. Richards) is a major event for scholars of American theatre. This massive volume (over 1,200 pages) collects a wide range of primary documents that provide a comprehensive overview of the development of modern American drama over the past seven decades.

The volume is divided into five parts, each of which focuses on a different period in the history of modern American drama. Part 1, "The Early Years: 1940-1959," includes documents that trace the rise of realism and naturalism in American theatre, as well as the emergence of new playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and William Inge. Part 2, "The Golden Age: 1960-1979," documents the explosion of creativity in American theatre during the 1960s and 1970s, with the rise of the Off-Broadway movement, the development of new forms of theatrical expression, and the emergence of new playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, and August Wilson.

Modern American Drama: Playwriting 2000-2009: Voices, Documents, New Interpretations (Decades of Modern American Drama: Playwriting from the 1930s to 2009)

by Suzanne Hanchett

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1142 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	294 pages

Part 3, "The Postmodern Era: 1980-1999," explores the changing landscape of American theatre in the wake of the postmodern turn, with the rise of new playwrights such as Tony Kushner, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Anna Deavere Smith. Part 4, "The New Millennium: 2000-2010," documents the continued vitality of American theatre in the 21st century, with the emergence of new playwrights such as Sarah Ruhl, Lynn Nottage, and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.

The volume concludes with an essay by editor Jeffrey H. Richards that provides a comprehensive overview of the development of modern American drama over the past seven decades. Richards argues that modern American drama has been characterized by a spirit of innovation and experimentation, and that it has played a vital role in shaping American culture.

Voices: A Documentary History of the American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940-2010 is an essential resource for scholars of American theatre. It is a comprehensive and authoritative collection of primary documents that provides a valuable overview of the development of modern American drama over the past seven decades.

Key Themes in Modern American Drama

Voices: A Documentary History of the American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940-2010 documents a number of key themes that have emerged in modern American drama over the past seven decades. These themes include:

The search for identity: Modern American drama has often explored the search for identity, both personal and national. Playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and August Wilson have created characters who struggle to find their place in the world.
The American dream: Modern American drama has also explored the American dream, and the ways in which it has been both realized and betrayed. Playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, and Tony Kushner have created characters who chase the American dream, but often find it elusive.
The role of race and gender: Modern American drama has also addressed the role of race and gender in American society. Playwrights such as Suzan-Lori Parks, Anna Deavere Smith, and Lynn Nottage have created characters who challenge traditional notions of race and gender.
The search for meaning: Modern American drama has also explored the search for meaning in life. Playwrights such as Edward Albee, Harold Pinter, and Sarah Ruhl have created characters who grapple with the big questions of life and death.

The Impact of Modern American Drama

Modern American drama has had a profound impact on American culture. It has helped to shape the way we think about ourselves and our world. It has also helped to create a more tolerant and understanding society.

Modern American drama is a vital part of our cultural heritage. It is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the American people. Voices: A Documentary History of the American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940-2010 is an essential resource for scholars of American theatre and for anyone who wants to understand the development of American culture over the past seven decades.

Voices: A Documentary History of the American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940-2010 is a major contribution to the field of American theatre studies. It is a comprehensive and authoritative collection of primary documents that provides a valuable overview of the development of modern American drama over the past seven decades. This volume is an essential resource for scholars of American theatre and for anyone who wants to understand the development of American culture over the past seven decades.

Voices: A Documentary History Of The American Theatre, Volume 6: Modern American Drama, 1940 2010 Modern American Drama: Playwriting 2000 2009: Voices Documents New Interpretations (Decades Of Modern American Drama: Playwriting From The 1930s To 2009)