The Twentieth Century Theatre: Observations On The Contemporary English And American Stage (1918)

The Twentieth Century Theatre: Observations On The Contemporary English And American Stage is a book written by William Lyon Phelps and originally published in 1918. The book is a comprehensive analysis and critique of the theatre scene in England and America during the first two decades of the 20th century. Phelps, a renowned literary critic and professor of English at Yale University, offers his insights and observations on the trends, styles, and themes prevalent in theatre during this time period.The book is divided into three parts, with the first section focusing on the state of the theatre in England. Phelps discusses the emergence of new playwrights, such as George Bernard Shaw and John Galsworthy, and their impact on the English theatre. He also examines the role of the actor, director, and producer in shaping the theatrical experience for audiences.The second part of the book shifts its focus to the American theatre scene. Phelps explores the differences between American and English theatre and highlights the unique contributions of American playwrights, such as Eugene O'Neill and Thornton Wilder. He also discusses the challenges faced by American theatre, including the dominance of commercialism and the struggle to establish a national identity.The final section of the book offers Phelps' overall observations and conclusions about the state of theatre in the early 20th century. He argues that theatre is an important reflection of society and that it has the power to shape cultural values and beliefs. He also emphasizes the need for theatre to evolve and adapt to changing times and audiences.Overall, The Twentieth Century Theatre is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of theatre and its role in shaping society. Phelps' insights and critiques provide a fascinating glimpse into the theatrical landscape of the early 20th century and offer valuable lessons for contemporary theatre practitioners and enthusiasts.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.