Theatre History

Feature Writer: Kathleen Airdrie
Welcome to the world of theatre past. Here you will find articles about the origins and evolution of the theatre, and the social issues that affected its growth. You will discover the struggles and the triumphs of those who entertained with drama, comedy, and satire. You will also discover the entrepreneurs who built early theatres, and the patrons who supported the performers.
There are articles about the Athenians, who presented the first actor, and the Renaissance period that gave us Shakespeare and many more brilliant playwrights. There is information about the Restoration when once-forbidden venues were reopened, and the colorful Victorian era. There is much more to be written and learned about the history of the theatre.
feature articles
Kathleen Airdrie
Nov 12, 2009
Acting Career of Sarah Siddons
In: Theatre History (general)
British actress Sarah (Kemble) Siddons did more than any other individual to establish the profession as a "dignified calling for women".
more...
Nov 7, 2009
Helen Hayes in Broadway Plays
In: Theatre History (general)
Helen Hayes' extraordinary professional career that included stage, radio, movie, and television work spanned eighty years.
more...
Nov 4, 2009
Theatre Acting of English Women
In: Theatre History (general)
The often-repeated statement that women were banned from the stages of English theatres until King Charles II changed the rules is not entirely accurate.
more...
Nov 2, 2009
Broadway Plays of Thomas Mitchell
In: Theatre History (general)
Thomas Mitchell was one of those amazing actors during Hollywood's Golden Age who could take on any role and make audiences believe in his character.
more...
Nov 1, 2009
Puritans, Politicians and Renaissance Theatre
In: Renaissance Theatre
Thriving theatres and performers treated with suspicion survived during the lifetime of Queen Elizabeth I, but later went into decline under pressure.
more...
Oct 19, 2009
Superstitions in the Theatre
In: Theatre History (general)
Notoriously superstitious, theatrical people adhere to many beliefs, the origins of which are often unknown.
more...
Oct 16, 2009
Rome's Great Theatre of Pompey
In: Ancient Theatre
Theatre Pompey, Rome's first permanent theatre, was probably the largest ever built, and became the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
more...
Oct 10, 2009
Entertainment for Queen Victoria
In: Victorian Theatre
Queen Victoria held great appreciation for the performance arts, and did not hesitate to comment on the presentations.
more...
All feature articles in Theatre History
How to subscribe to article feeds
|