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Summary:

"What happened in American drama in the years between the Depression and the conclusion of World War II? How did the war make its impact on the theatre? More important, how was the drama used during the war years to shape American beliefs and actions? Albert Wertheim's Staging the War brings to light the important role played by the drama during what might arguably be called the most important decade in American history. As much of the country experienced the dislocation of military service and work in war industries, the drama registered the enormous changes to the boundaries of social classes, ethnicities, and gender roles. In research ranging over more than 150 plays, Wertheim discusses some of the well-known works of the period, such as The Time of Your Life, Our Town, Watch on the Rhine, and All My Sons. But he also uncovers little-known and largely unpublished plays for the stage and radio, by such future luminaries as Arthur Miller and Frank Loesser, including those written at the behest of the U.S. government or as USO musicals. The American son of refugees who escaped the Third Reich in 1937, Wertheim gives life to this vital period in American history."--Jacket.

Table of Contents:

• Getting involved: American drama on the eve of World War II
• The drama of the war years
• The dramatic art of Uncle Sam: the government, the drama, and the war
• Airing the war: World War II radio plays
• The aftermath.

Author/Creator:

Wertheim, Albert

Languages:

English

Language Notes:

Item content: English

Main Work:

Staging the war: American drama and World War II [by Wertheim, A.]

Subjects:

American drama — 20th century — History and criticism

World War, 1939-1945 — United States — Literature and the war

Theater — United States — History — 20th century

War in literature

World War (1939-1945)

1900-1999

War and literature

Theater

American drama

United States

Genres:

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

History

General Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. [291]-317) and index.

Physical Description:

xviii, 328 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Call Numbers:

PS338.W67 W47 2004

ISBNs:

0253343100
9780253343109

Library of Congress Control Numbers:

2003006845

OCLC Numbers:

51977834